Neighbors continue to hear shots in an east side neighborhood

SAN ANTONIO — On Monday at 9:28 p.m., the neighborhood watch thread online exploded into action near the corner of Polaris and Center Streets, with neighbors warning each other about a sustained blast of gunfire that shook up an area covering several blocks.

In just 20 seconds, there were more than a dozen shots fired.

Home owners in this east side neighborhood, who have been trading surveillance camera video with one another for months, tried their best to triangulate the shots to help police determine where to look for the gunman.

In the end, they said, it did little good as police weren’t able to identify the source of the attack.

Elizabeth, who has been a fierce advocate for peace in the area, said people who live in the neighborhood have been begging for help with the constant gunfire for years.   

“It’s too much!” Elizabeth said, adding “It doesn’t make any sense. It’s kind of like controlled chaos.”

Neighbors said they have done everything police have asked of them to rid their area of danger.

Elizabeth said in addition to multiple cameras, they have an active group of concerned citizens and they’ve had multiple meetings with police, with everyone from SAFFE officers to the East Substation Captain to the Chief of Staff for Police Chief William McManus.

Elizabeth said “They’ve told us they’re going to do something and nothing has been done.”

Just five days ago and four short blocks away, a 40-year-old man was shot on St. James Street when he asked someone in a vehicle outside his home to leave the area. 

Police said that attacker is still on the run and that investigation continues. 

In another recent attack, Elizabeth said just 60 seconds after she pulled into her driveway and walked into her home, another blast of gunfire filled the air. 

“I feel defeated,” Elizabeth said, adding “That’s one thing I said when I moved in. I said I would not back down but I’m at the point I want to back down.”

The San Antonio Police Department declined repeated requests by KENS 5 for an on camera interview on the topic. Instead, the Public Information Office provided the following statement:

“Aggravated assaults and homicides are down 19% and 40%, respectively, from last year. The Homicide Unit continues to investigate these recent shootings and does not believe these incidents are related to one another. We encourage residents or anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 210.207.7635. Our officers continue to actively patrol these areas and respond to all calls for service.”

The SAPD East Substation does have regular meetings for neighbors to talk about their concerns.

The date for the next meeting has not been set, but more information about the process can be found here.

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