SAPD said somehow the long-time officer was shot by his own pistol at the old Columbia Heights Elementary located off Fitch Avenue.
SAN ANTONIO — A tragic accident took the life of a San Antonio Police Officer, according to Police Chief William McManus.
William Kasberg was killed right before an active shooter training on Tuesday. He is being remembered as always being ready and available to help anyone.
“This is a sad day for SAPD,” McManus said.
Kasberg, a 30-year veteran, has been recognized for his work with SAPD’s DWI unit. He has been honored by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Regional Director of Victim Services with MADD Natalie Paulus has worked with Kasberg.
“Absolute shock and disbelief,” Paulus said. “It is just such as an unbelievable tragedy.”
The chief said somehow the long-time officer was shot by his own pistol at the old Columbia Heights Elementary located off Fitch Avenue.
According to Harlandale ISD, the facility is used for training activities. The officer was there for a state mandated training called Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training or ALERRT.
Chief McManus said when the officer was gathering his things, somehow his pistol went off and hit him. He said another officer heard the commotion and found Kasberg on the ground. The officer was rushed to University Hospital where he died.
Paulus last worked with Kasberg in September for the fundraiser Walk Like MADD San Antonio event.
“He was always willing to go above and beyond for us, regardless of what it is,” she said.
She said Kasberg did a lot of work with the organization that is working to end drunk driving. He was part of the honor guard at that event.
“He really is such a supporter of our efforts at MADD and overall just a fantastic human,” she said.
KENS 5 spoke with Kasberg in 2023 regarding the dangers of drinking and driving right before the holidays.
“Drinking and driving is one of the most avoidable arrests you can possibly do,” he said at the time.
The chief remembered Kasberg as a good officer.
“He was a good officer, always up, always joking,” McManus said.
McManus said they’re investigating as to what exactly happened. He added that Kasberg was set to retire soon from the department.
The president of the San Antonio Police Officer’s Association said their focus right now is the officer’s family.