A jaywalking incident in San Antonio escalated into a deadly confrontation on December 3, culminating in a man’s death after police fired multiple rounds at him during a foot chase. Authorities now claim that the man, Jeffrey Schopp, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The case, which has sparked public outcry, is under investigation by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
The encounter began when San Antonio police officer James Lopez stopped Schopp, 33, for crossing a street without using a crosswalk, a minor misdemeanor in Texas. Body camera footage shows Lopez ordering Schopp to approach his patrol car, but the situation quickly escalated when Schopp refused, apologized, and attempted to explain he needed to get to a hospital. The exchange grew heated as Lopez raised his voice, threatening to handcuff Schopp if he did not comply.
Schopp fled on foot, leading Lopez and other officers on a pursuit through a parking garage and into a drainage ditch. During the chase, Schopp allegedly brandished a firearm. Lopez fired 12 rounds, paused to reload, and then fired three additional rounds. Schopp collapsed in the ditch. Initially, police reported that Schopp died from a gunshot wound to the chest, but they later revised their account, stating that Schopp’s fatal injury was self-inflicted.
Lopez, who has been with the department for four years, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. The incident marks the 20th officer-involved shooting by the San Antonio Police Department in 2024, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of police use of force and accountability measures within law enforcement.
San Antonio Police Lieutenant David Bacarreza emphasized that investigations into officer-involved shootings are extensive and may take over a year to complete. Public trust remains a critical concern as the department navigates the fallout from yet another fatal encounter involving police.
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