San Antonio Police Officer Dies 12 Days After Being Shot In The Head

A San Antonio police officer who was shot in the head almost two weeks ago, while giving chase to armed robbery suspects died on Friday morning.

Officer Robert Deckard was 31-years-old and had been in intensive care unit since December 8 with a bullet lodged in his brain.

The San Antonio Police Department said in a statement, the officer was pronounced dead at 9:53 am after fighting, what they called a brave battle for his life.

Police Chief William McManus said in the statement:

“Again, they (Deckard’s family) appreciate all the prayers and support they have received over the past several days. Thank you for all the support you have shown Bobby and his family.”

The past 12 days have been very difficult for the San Antonio officer and his colleagues in the police department, as they have seen their loved one and friend wage this battle.

“The most difficult decision that the family had to make was to let him go,” Mike Helle president of the San Antonio Peace Officers’ Association said. “Overall, it’s been very saddening. Any time that one of our officers gets killed like this, it just rocks the foundation of everybody. It certainly brings home the harsh reality of our job.”

Deckard is the first San Antonio police officer to be shot in the line of duty since 2007 and is the 99th law enforcement officer to die in the nation during 2013. Overall, 11 officers have been killed in the line of duty in the Texas city since 2000.

The two men accused of shooting officer Deckard were identified as Shawn Ruiz Puente, 32, and Jenevieve Ramos, 28. They will be charged with capital murder, punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, or death.

District Attorney Rene Pena said he has been working closely with County District Attorney Susan Reed, as Puente and Ramos’ crime spree encompasses several counties.

“We were anticipating that Officer Deckard may not survive and will upgrade the charges (Friday) afternoon,” Pena said. “I’m anticipating that we will get a grand jury sometime in January. It’s a tragedy, obviously, and my condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Officer Deckard.”

On December 8,San Antonio police officer Robert Deckard was filling in for a colleague when he spotted a car that authorities were seeking in connection with several armed robberies.

A chase ensued when Pena and Ramos fled the scene and Deckard gave chase and the suspects started firing at his patrol car from their moving vehicle.

A bullet hit the windshield and struck officer Deckard in the head causing him to crash.

According to authorities, Puente was driving the car, but it is not known who fired the fatal shot. The suspects drove to Wilson County where they abandoned the vehicle and spent the night in a ravine where they were found and captured the following day.

The San Antonio police community has rallied to support officer Deckard’s family these past 12 days and a fund was set up to help his family. Robert Deckard leaves behind two children.