Teenager Fatally Shot By SAPD Officer at West Side Home Was Unarmed, Police Say

An 18-year-old man shot and killed by a San Antonio police officer early Wednesday morning was unarmed and not the target.

Though Chief William McManus originally said the officer "used deadly force" on the victim, identified as Charles Roundtree, after seeing a gun in his waistband, the chief has since clarified that the bullet was intended for a suspect who was reaching for a gun in his waistband.

McManus said the bullet went through the 24-year-old suspect, who has not been identified, and struck Roundtree. The teenager died at the scene. Initial reports said a second person shot at the scene – the suspect – was transported to a hospital for treatment. He is still recovering in the hospital, McManus confirmed during his latest update.

"It's a very, very unfortunate, tragic incident that happened," McManus said. "Unfortunately, that person who was just sitting there was killed by a bullet fired at someone who was attempting to use deadly force against police."

McManus didn't say how many shots the officer fired, but said his "approach was very professional."

"There was nothing hostile about it," McManus said. "Unfortunately, the reaction from the individual with the gun was something he should not have done."

Police said the suspect has an "extensive record with police" and that drugs were found inside the West Side home. McManus said the home was known for drug activity and that police were called to the home more than 50 times this year.

The officer, who has not been named, was called to a home in the 200 block of Roberts Street around 1 a.m. on Wednesday for an assault on a person who had been "selling something" at the door.

A five-year veteran of the department, the officer has been placed on administrative duty for the duration of the investigation. At that time, body camera footage will be released.

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