San Antonio Police Officer Fatally Shoots Man During Traffic Altercation

On January 18, 2024, two San Antonio Police Officers, riding in the same marked patrol vehicle, conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation at 700 block of Southcross. One officer contacted the driver, 42-year-old Jervon Harper and asked him to step out of the vehicle after smelling the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Harper refused and began to physically fight with the officers as the officers attempted to detain him. During the struggle, one officer observed the suspect with a handgun. Both officers pulled out their duty weapons and one officer fired a single round at Harper, striking him. Harper was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Officer Edgardo Valladares, who discharged his weapon during the incident, has been placed on administrative duty pending further investigation. Valladares, a three-year veteran of the force, will remain on administrative duty until the completion of the inquiry.