San Antonio Burglary Suspect Fires on Officers, Faces $800,000 Bond After Shootout
A late-night burglary call in San Antonio, Texas, escalated dramatically when a suspect allegedly opened fire on responding officers, leading to a police-involved shooting and subsequent arrest. The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Richard Asbell, is now facing substantial legal consequences, including four counts of aggravated assault of a public servant, with his total bond set at $800,000.
The Incident Unfolds
The confrontation occurred late Friday night, October 18, 2025, when San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers were dispatched to a reported burglary in progress. The incident took place at a storage facility located in the 8700 block of Fredericksburg Road on the city’s northwest side. Upon arrival, officers proceeded to investigate and located a man, later identified as Asbell, inside one of the storage units situated toward the rear of the property.
According to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, the situation quickly turned volatile. Chief McManus stated that Asbell allegedly fired his weapon three times at the approaching officers. In response to the gunfire, one of the responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. The exchange of gunfire resulted in Asbell sustaining injuries and being transported to a local hospital. Authorities reported that Asbell was in stable condition following the incident. Crucially, no officers or any bystanders present at the scene were injured during the shootout.
Suspect Identified and Charges
Richard Asbell, a 58-year-old resident of San Antonio, has been formally charged with four counts of aggravated assault of a public servant. This serious charge reflects the alleged act of firing at law enforcement officials who were in the line of duty. The judicial process has mandated a significant financial commitment for his potential release, with his total bond established at $800,000. This amount underscores the gravity of the alleged offenses and the potential flight risk or danger to the community.
Officer Involved and Department Protocol
The officer who discharged their firearm in this incident is noted to be a probationary officer with less than one year of service with the SAPD. In line with standard departmental policy following any officer-involved shooting, this officer has been placed on administrative duty. This measure is a routine part of the investigative process, allowing for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the use of force, while the involved officer is temporarily removed from active patrol duties.
Broader Context in San Antonio
This officer-involved shooting is the 13th such incident involving the San Antonio Police Department in 2025. Disturbingly, it also marks the second officer-involved shooting to occur within San Antonio in just the same week. Just days prior, on Wednesday, October 15, two officers were shot outside a hotel on the Far West Side. In that separate incident, police reported that the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Odon Paul Bustos, had allegedly been taunting officers before opening fire. Three officers returned fire in that instance, resulting in Bustos’s death. These events highlight a concerning trend and underscore the dangerous nature of police work in the city.
Ongoing Investigation
Chief McManus emphasized that the details emerging from Friday night’s shooting are preliminary and subject to change as the investigation progresses. The SAPD’s Internal Affairs unit, along with the Bexar County District Attorney’s office, are expected to conduct thorough reviews of the incident. Investigators will meticulously examine evidence, including witness statements and any available surveillance or body-worn camera footage, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the gunfire.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers who are called to respond to criminal activity. The charges Asbell faces carry severe penalties, reflecting the state’s stance on violence directed towards peace officers. As the investigation continues, the community will await further details on this developing news story impacting the Top news cycle in Texas.
