District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur said her office is working with SAPD to increase patrols in the bar district.
SAN ANTONIO — A brawl off North Alamo Street near popular bars ended in rapid gunfire early Sunday morning.
Videos of the incident have been shared by thousands on social media. In one video, you can see a passenger inside a vehicle fire off multiple rounds into the air.
San Antonio police said no one was hurt but they have made at least one arrest.
Jacob Vasquez took two videos that were circulating online. He said he had left Bar House when the fight broke out.
“I mean it was closing time, everyone was outside,” Vasquez said.
He said seeing a fight was not really all that shocking to him but when he heard gunfire, everyone dispersed and ran for cover.
“There was no need to bring the guns out, there was no need to go to that extent,” Vasquez said.
Police responded quickly to the scene. They are spotted in the video running towards the back of the bar where they eventually caught up to Joseph Olivarri. According to the police report, the bar’s security had already detained him.
Officers were able to locate a stolen gun that matched the shell casings found on the ground inside Olivarri’s vehicle.
Olivarri is facing a discharge of a firearm and unlawful carrying of a weapon charge. The convicted has a long criminal history in Bexar County and had a murder charge dismissed last year for a shooting outside a sports bar on the south side.
Safety Concerns Downtown
“The establishment had nothing to do with it,” Vasquez said. “It was those people that chose to do what they did.”
Vasquez said he does feel comfortable going back to the bar. However, Centro San Antonio’s CEO, Trish DeBerry said she believes the bars there should bear some responsibility.
“You have to be responsible associated with the fact you are serving alcohol, it is late at night,” DeBerry said. “But what are you doing to make sure it is safe and secure, regardless of whether you are open or regardless whether you are closed.”
DeBerry said when she saw the video, she was ashamed and took it to city leaders and the police chief. She was told SAPD would be upping patrols in the area, especially during closing time.
“Think twice before you do that again because we are going to crack down,” DeBerry said.
The Bar House owner told KENS 5 Wednesday he has been committed to safety since opening his bar back in November. He said on the weekends, he has 11 bouncers working. He added prior to Sunday’s incident, he had been in communication with District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur about increasing safety protocols in the area.
He also released this statement:
“This incident took place after business hours and was on public street. The incident is unrelated to Bar House San Antonio. We want to thank SAPD for responding promptly. We have a large security presence within our property at all times. Our staff will continue to strive to the highest degree of maintaining the safest environment possible and will add additional security to reassure the public that North Alamo will remain a popular and safe nightlife district.”
The owner of Bentley’s Beer Garden declined to give a statement regarding the incident to us but posted this on Facebook Sunday:
“For those asking, Bentley’s Beer Garden had no involvement in the incident that happened down the street. We appreciate our community and remain committed to providing a safe and fun atmosphere for everyone who visits.”
Councilwoman Kaur released this statement regarding safety concerns:
“My office has been in contact with multiple business owners in the area and are working with SAPD to increase their presence to ensure public safety. This area is growing tremendously and contributing to a lot of economic activity and enjoyment for our community. We are taking this issue seriously and even communicating with TABC to ensure that everyone going out can have a safe, fun time without concerns of violence.”