Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to his capture of 38-year-old Joseph Olivarri.
SAN ANTONIO — The man San Antonio police arrested for allegedly firing off shots outside downtown bars last weekend is now on the run.
The shooting happened off North Alamo Street on February 16 during a chaotic brawl. 38-year-old Joseph Olivarri was taken into custody for a discharge firearm in certain municipalities charge and unlawful carry weapon with felony conviction charge.
Olivarri is a convicted felon with a criminal history spanning more than two decades.
A day later, he was released on a $70,000 bond that was set by the magistrate judge but recommended by Bexar County District Attorney, Joe Gonzales. Gonzales insists that was a high bond for the charges he is facing.
“On the average, when it’s an individual that doesn’t have the kind of criminal history that Mr. Olivarri did, the bonds could be 20-25 thousand,” Gonzales said. “But we recommended a high bond to reflect his criminal history.”
Two days later, Gonzales said he cut off his ankle monitor and is now a fugitive. In addition to tampering with the ankle monitor, he is also wanted for a parole violation for having a prohibited substance in the jail.
“None of us have a crystal ball. If we were able to predict the future, crime would be low in Bexar County and the rest of the country, but it doesn’t work that way,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales said once he is caught, he will be held without bond.
“I am confident he will be captured; he will remain in county jail until such time as we go to trial,” Gonzales said. “We’re going to prosecute this individual vigorously.”
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to his capture. Click here to submit a tip anonymously.
The District Attorney addresses past murder charge
However, Gonzales had the chance to prosecute Olivarri last year. He was arrested for a March 2024 murder outside a south side sports bar. Investigators accused Olivarri of shooting 37-year-old Joshua Cuellar during an argument in the parking lot of 210 Sports Catina and Grill across from South Park Mall.
According to the affidavit, multiple tipsters called Crime Stoppers and identified Olivarri as the suspected shooter. The tipster told investigators he was bragging about the murder. The affidavit also states investigators have surveillance video showing Olivarri leaving the parking lot in his truck right after the shooting.
But in July of 2024, the district attorney’s office rejected the case for further investigation. Olivarri was then released from jail. Gonzales said he could not discuss specifics as to why the case did not have enough evidence to move forward for an indictment.
However, he said at any point, the case can be reopened since there is not statute of limitations for murder cases.
“It doesn’t mean that’s the end of the matter,” Gonzales said. “It just means we need to do some more work to make sure we have all the evidence we need to be able to move forward.”