While uninjured, Al decided to pursue the suspect and was able to capture the first four digits of the suspect’s license plate.
SAN ANTONIO — What began as a routine grocery run quickly turned into a terrifying experience for one driver on San Antonio’s northwest side.
Al had just finished shopping at Sam’s Club off De Zavala Road around 6:30 p.m. Saturday. As he headed toward The Rim on the highway, he set his cruise control and began listening to an audio program in his red Toyota Camry. He requested KENS 5 not use his full name for safety concerns.
About a quarter mile away from reaching the IH-10 and Loop 1604 interchange, Al said a black Nissan SUV pulled up beside him on the passenger side. The driver rolled down his window and leaned his head out.
That’s when things took a dangerous turn.
“I thought he was checking his own tires,” Al said. “Then he looked at me, smiled big, then went back inside.”
Moments later, Al says the driver reappeared, this time with a gun in hand.
“He gets out of the car again, head and shoulder again with a gun, and tries to actually aim for my tire,” Al said. “He shoots. I really feared for my life. “I was really steady in my lane,” he said. “I don’t think it’s motivated by my driving behavior.”
Al decided to follow the SUV in an effort to get a license plate number. He was able to catch the last four digits before the Nissan sped off. Al was uninjured in the shooting but remains filled with anxiety while on the road.
“I didn’t want to lose him,” Al said. “I wanted to at least get his license plate.”
The front bumper now is scarred with two bullet holes.
“This is where the bullet exited from the car,” he said, pointing to the damage on the right side of the bumper.
Al said he had recently replaced the bumper because he got into an accident.
Al has since filed a police report and is working with authorities in hopes of identifying the suspect.
“Hopefully, first off, he doesn’t hurt anyone else,” Al said. “He doesn’t try to shoot anyone else.”
In the meantime, Al said he’s already taken one precaution, he’s ordered a dash cam, which should arrive in a few days.