On the evening of January 22, 2025, a routine welfare check in San Antonio’s Stone Oak neighborhood escalated into a violent confrontation, leaving seven police officers wounded and the suspect dead. The incident has raised concerns about officer safety, mental health crisis responses, and bail reform policies.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers responded to a “suicide in progress” call at the Sonterra Heights apartment complex on Stone Oak Parkway. Upon arrival, a woman informed officers that the suspect, 46-year-old Brandon Scott Poulos, was armed and had been firing inside the apartment. As officers approached, Poulos exited and opened fire, striking one officer in the leg. He then retreated into the apartment and continued firing, injuring six additional officers. All seven officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Six were released the following day, while the seventh was expected to make a full recovery
Following the initial exchange, Poulos barricaded himself inside the apartment, leading to a standoff that lasted several hours. SWAT teams and negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Poulos continued to fire at officers from within the apartment. Around 2:45 a.m., SWAT officers entered the apartment and found Poulos deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. The Bexar County Medical Examiner later ruled the death a homicide, indicating that Poulos was shot by law enforcement during the confrontation.
Brandon Scott Poulos was a Navy veteran with a prior criminal history. Just days before the incident, on January 18, he was arrested on charges including assault causing bodily injury to a family member, injury to the elderly, and driving while intoxicated. He was released on bond totaling $35,000 and was referred to a veterans court with a mental health assessment ordered.
The shooting prompted reactions from local officials and community members. U.S. Representative Chip Roy criticized the bail policies that allowed Poulos’s release, arguing that such decisions endanger public and officer safety. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus echoed concerns about the risks posed by individuals released on bond, advocating for legislative reforms to provide judges with greater discretion in denying bail to violent offenders.
Residents of the Sonterra Heights complex described the incident as terrifying. One neighbor recounted hearing gunshots and taking shelter in a bathroom during the standoff. The community has since been grappling with the aftermath, emphasizing the need for improved mental health crisis interventions and support for law enforcement personnel.
The SAPD’s Shooting Team and Internal Affairs Unit are conducting separate investigations into the incident. Their findings will be reviewed by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. All seven officers involved have been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigations, as per department protocol.
The Stone Oak standoff underscores the complexities law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises and the importance of comprehensive strategies to address such situations effectively.
