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‘Dangerous and desperate': Texas officials ID suspects wanted in shooting of LEO

Authorities now believe one of the suspects is in custody in Mexico. The other is still on the run

balcones heights police shooting suspects

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

Authorities believe one of the suspects, Sijifredo Montemayor, is in custody in Mexico, reported KSAT Thursday evening.

By Taylor Pettaway
San Antonio Express-News

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two men it believes are responsible for shooting a Balcones Heights police sergeant Wednesday afternoon.

During a news conference on Thursday, Sheriff Javier Salazar said they are searching for 27-year-old Wilfredo Montemayor and his brother 30-year-old Sijifredo Montemayor. Salazar said the younger brother is suspected of shooting Sgt. Joe Sepulveda “in cold blood” at the SOL apartments, located at 6945 West Interstate 10.

Sepulveda and another officer, Edgard Ortiz, were called to the apartments at 1:30 p.m. for reports of suspicious persons and a possible vehicle burglary.

In the parking lot, Sepulveda made contact with two suspects in a white pickup truck. It was then Wilfredo allegedly started shooting at the sergeant, Salazar said. The 18-year veteran returned fire, but was shot and fell on the ground.

Ortiz, with the help of civilians, dragged Sepulveda to cover as Ortiz continued to fire at the suspects, an act Salazar said may have saved the sergeant’s life.

Sepulveda was shot at least twice in the upper body.

https://twitter.com/BexarCoSheriff/status/1357508135020355585 https://twitter.com/BexarCoSheriff/status/1357508138497368069

Ortiz drove his partner to the hospital in their patrol vehicle. Sepulveda was immediately taken into surgery.

As of Thursday morning, Sepulveda was out of surgery and recovering with his family by his side, said Balcones Heights mayor Suzanne de Leon.

“We are so grateful that he will be OK,” De Leon said.

The sheriff said the Montemayor brothers will face attempted capital murder charges when they are caught, adding that the two men are “dangerous and desperate” and advised them to turn themselves in.

“Anyone brazen enough to put a gun in an officer’s face and pull the trigger in broad daylight is brazen enough to do anything,” Salazar said. “You’re not going to get away, you won’t have a moment’s rest because we will find you.”

Dozens of police vehicles and BCSO’s Regional Mobile Outreach center were camped outside of the apartment complex through the night and into Thursday morning as dozens of investigators worked to track down the Montemayors.

Investigators have been tracking down down possible associates and residences where the two men may have gone to. Officials have also been in contact with authorities in Medina County and Bandera County and the Border Patrol in case the men attempt or have left the county.

Salazar said the two men may have connections in some South Texas border cities and could possibly flee into Mexico in desperation. The sheriff warned that anyone who is harboring the brothers will also face charges.

The two may have also changed their clothes, appearance and vehicle since the shooting, officials said. At least one of the brothers may have been hit by the gunfire, Salazar said.

On Wednesday, BCSO released images of a man wearing a Spurs jersey and a black cap it wanted in connection with the shooting. Salazar said the man was questioned and released but may still face charges. The sheriff did not say how that man may have been involved with the incident.

Anyone with information on the Montemayor brothers should call BCSO at 210-335-6000 or email bcsotips@bexar.org. Crime Stoppers is also offering a $5,000 reward for information. To submit a tip, call 210-224-STOP.

(c)2021 the San Antonio Express-News

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