A shooting during a Fiesta event at the Historic Market Square had local vendors and Fiesta-goers on alert Thursday as police investigated.
The shooting occurred on South Concho Street, an alleyway within the complex, around 10:30 p.m., during Fiesta De Los Reyes, a 10-day event during Fiesta.
Deputy Chief Hector Salas, the San Antonio Police Department’s Fiesta commander, described the shooting as an isolated incident that resulted from a verbal altercation.
According to KENS 5, the suspect fled following the shooting and had not been arrested as of Thursday afternoon. KENS 5 said the victim was in critical condition, but Salas would not confirm details during the press conference and said the investigation was ongoing.
“In the months leading up to Fiesta, SAPD prepares and coordinates with all stakeholders and event coordinators,” Salas said. “Together we perform walkthroughs, numerous tabletop exercises and other various training events coordination to prepare.”
Salas, who has attended every Fiesta event this year, said Fiesta-goers have told him they feel safe. He added that police are visible at every event and encouraged people to celebrate Fiesta responsibly.
He said some Fiesta venues are monitored using video surveillance 24 hours a day, but didn’t specify which venues.
Salas said several Fiesta events prohibit the carrying of firearms and weapons on the property, including A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) and Fiesta De Los Reyes.
“If found in possession of a firearm or other weapons at these events, you may be arrested for criminal offense with a punishment [that] range from a Class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony,” he said.
Yolanda McEvoy, who works at the Lupita’s Gorditas stand, said she was there when the shooting occurred and said it was “very localized and in a very small spot.”
“Police were awesome and reactive, so anything outside the 20-, 30-feet perimeter was Fiesta,” McEvoy said. “They did a very good job.”
McEvoy said the police presence seemed to be more visible this year at Fiesta De Los Reyes, a free daily event that features food and drink booths and live music performances.
“I don’t know if they have more, but it looks like it,” she said of police officers patrolling the area.
“It’s scary. But we gotta keep on working,” said Cynthia Paniagua, an employee at La Margarita’s booth. She said she’s taking extra safety precautions leaving work as a result of the incident.
Sylvia and Liz, who declined to give their last names, walked around the market Thursday afternoon earlier than they had planned to avoid being out at night.
“We were supposed to come tonight … but I was like, ‘Nope, we’re not coming,’” said Sylvia. “It’s scary. Shootings can happen anytime, but it’s more likely to happen at night when people have been drinking too much.”
Officers at Market Square would not say how many were patrolling the area Thursday afternoon but confirmed they were assigned per area. There were two officers along South Concho Street on Thursday, two more officers near the center of the event and two at the entrance.
“Officers are aware: Be vigilant, talk to the attendees, the citizens out there, and if they see something, say something, so that we all have a safe Fiesta event and enjoy the next few days of Fiesta,” Salas said.
