Police Chief William McManus said the shooting occurred after three officers spotted the man, who they have yet to identify, on the city's Westside near North Hamilton Street and West Laurel. In a media briefing, McManus said the man was wanted on two felony warrants, including assault of a police officer and possession of a firearm.
Officers opened fire when the man pulled a gun from his waistband, the police chief said. The man died at the scene, where a handgun was recovered, McManus said. He added he could not provide details of the exchange since he had not reviewed body camera footage, the Express-News reported.
SAPD has not immediately released the man's name, but family members identified him as Kevin Johnson. Jasmine Johnson, who identified herself as a sister of the man killed, said her brother was fatally shot several times at the scene.
The incident caused high tensions at the scene between family, friends, and the San Antonio Police Department. The Express-News reported officers began pepper-spraying a group of people who were reportedly moving a police vehicle.
San Antonio Congressman Joaquin Castro commented on the incident on Twitter, stating the local city council should adopt a policy requiring the release of body and dash-camera footage within 10 days after the shooting, especially when someone dies. He said, "Facts need to be verified and allegations substantiated through all available sources."
The three officers who were involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty, according to department policy, McManus said.