A police chief in Elmendorf, Texas, was shot dead on Saturday while serving an arrest warrant.
Michael Pimentel was shot in the stomach and shoulder by a young man whom Pimentel was attempting to arrest. Pimentel was airlifted to the University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
According to a witness, Pimentel, who was in his 60s, went down in the middle of the street after being shot by a young resident. The witness, named Jennifer, told KENS 5 that the chief and the alleged suspect had an altercation before three shots were fired.
"He embraced the community of Elmendorf not only as its head of law enforcement officer but also as a resident. We will miss him," Mayor Evelyn Lykins said.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Pimentel served as police chief at the San Antonio Independent School District Police Department.
Pimentel's is the fifth death of a Texas police officer this year so far. Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau said, "On even a quiet, peaceful day in south Texas, in a small town, it can turn deadly in an instant. It reinforces the dangers that our law enforcement officers face every single day."
Pamerleau said that they have launched an investigation into the matter. "We have taken responsibility for this continued investigation. It's a very small agency, the chief and a few other officers, and we have the investigative capabilities to investigate this (crime)."
Police arrested 24 year-old Joshua Manuel Lopez, and he was charged with capital murder of a police officer. He could face the death penalty if found guilty.
