Masked men tried to break into a family’s Dodge Hellcat, one pointing a gun at the home. Experts urge calling 911, not confronting suspects, and knowing Texas laws.
SAN ANTONIO — Police are investigating a brazen early-morning break-in attempt as criminal mischief after two masked men targeted a Dodge Hellcat while a San Antonio family slept.
The incident happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday near Loop 410 and South W.W. White Road. To protect the family’s safety, we are not releasing their exact location.
Homeowner, Sam, said his stepson was startled awake when he heard noises outside and yelled—scaring the intruders away.
“One gentleman [was] trying to break the alarms off the vehicle and the first gentleman was pointing a gun in a standoff style facing my door,” he said.
Sam added, “It just hit home that we could have possibly had a different phone call with police,” and noted, “We’ve seen people try to open doors… but never have I seen another armed individual with a gun continuously pointing it at a house.”
Although the suspects fled when the stepson shouted, the Hellcat was damaged. “I’m just grateful there was no loss of life,” Sam said.
He sent the surveillance video to police, adding that fingerprints were also recovered as the suspects were not wearing gloves. Security cameras show the masked men driving off in an orange car.
Sgt. Ariel Hernandez of the San Antonio Police Department urged residents who find themselves in similar situations to stay inside, stressing that materials can be replaced. A life cannot.
“I would say, as a homeowner, don’t go out there. First thing, call 911,” said Hernandez. “Don’t try to stop them because the likeliness of [suspects] being armed is very high… the minute they see somebody, the likeliness of them shooting is very high.”
She added, “Is it worth you going out there? Because they do have guns and they will shoot. Keep in mind, if you do shoot, who’s behind them? Is the bullet going to go into somebody else’s house? When they shoot back, who else is inside your house?”
License to Carry instructor Dr. Rai Washington, founder of At Her Defense, reminded Texans that deadly force is allowed only in very specific circumstances.
“As a homeowner here in Texas, you can use force to protect your property, but there’s a big difference between force and deadly force. Like burglary, robbery or if it’s at night and you believe there’s no way to stop it. It really always comes down to what’s reasonable under the law,” she explained. “Property can be replaced, but your freedom can’t…The gun is the last resort. It’s the absolute last resort.”
Washington emphasized that residents—whether licensed to carry or constitutional carriers—should “get refreshed on the laws… so you know where your rights lie.”
Review Texas Penal Code § 9.42 here.
Sam hopes sharing the video will help other families stay alert.
“Just relay this message and watch this video because you might be next.”
Police advise anyone facing a similar situation to stay inside, call 911, and note suspect or vehicle descriptions only if it’s safe.
SAPD Tips to Prevent Vehicle Burglaries
San Antonio police say burglary of vehicles can occur anywhere and at any time—not just in specific neighborhoods. Officers note that valuables left in plain sight and firearms left in vehicles are common factors in many break-ins.
They urge residents to check the SAPD Crime Dashboard for a breakdown of offenses across the city and offer these safety reminders:
- Lock your car and take your keys – about 60% of stolen vehicles are left unlocked
- Never hide a spare key in or on your vehicle
- Hide belongings from sight: don’t leave valuables or firearms in your car
- Park in well-lit areas or secure locations like a garage or attended lot
- Never leave your vehicle running, even briefly
- Do not leave registration, title, or insurance cards inside your vehicle