SAN ANTONIO – Two women suffered life-threatening injuries when they were slashed with a machete in a home just north of downtown San Antonio Thursday morning.
The suspect in that case then led police on a wild chase that went up and down Highway 281 and through several neighborhood streets, police said. At one point, he even passed back by the home, in the 200 block of Army Boulevard, where the two women were slashed.
A KSAT 12 News crew was at that scene as the fleeing driver sped by. Photojournalist Tim Stewart captured the video of the dangerous procession whizzing past him.
Officers finally caught up with the suspect after he crashed his van near Euclid and Wilmington streets.
"It was a little crazy, and it's a little shaky because it's next to where I live,” said Laura Weinkrantz, who saw the arrest go down. "When I came out, I saw a bunch of cop cars, and he was on the ground and he was trying to resist. "
According to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, the suspect was hurt in the struggle and had to be taken to a hospital. His victims, however, were left with far more serious injuries, the chief said.
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"The injuries were very, very severe, especially to one lady. Severe to both but the one woman was especially severe,” McManus said.
One of the women is in her 30s, the other is in her 50s. McManus said it appears they know the suspect.
"This was domestic. He was actually involved with one of the women,” he said. “We don't have any motive for the cutting right now. "
Police said they did find the machete inside the suspect’s van.
They first became aware of the alleged attack after 7 a.m. Thursday. A neighbor called 911 after seeing a man with a machete walking near the home and hearing a commotion involving a woman.
When officers arrived at the home, officers said they were not able to enter it right away because the door was barricaded.
They had to remove burglar bars from a window and gain entry through it.
Both victims had blood on their bodies as they were wheeled on gurneys to waiting ambulances.
McManus said during the chase, the suspect hit three cars, including a patrol car.
However, he added that the officers who were chasing him did follow the department's policy. McManus said that policy allows for them to engage in a pursuit when there is bodily injury involved.
Facebook user Randy Garcia captured video of the chase. Warning: Strong language is used in the video below. Viewer discretion is advised.
And then this happen....😆🚙💨🚓🚓🚓🚓
Posted by Randy Garcia on Thursday, August 3, 2017
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