SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar updated the public Thursday on COVID-19 cases in the Bexar County Jail and on patrol operations in East Bexar County.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Salazar announced a drop in COVID-19 cases among inmates and deputies at the Bexar County Jail. On Thursday, Salazar said 127 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, which is a drop from Wednesday’s count of 178 inmates.
- Twenty-seven inmates have recovered from the virus, and of the 127 inmates that have COVID-19, 117 are asymptomatic, which means 10 inmates are showing symptoms. In total, 237 inmates have recovered so far, 23 inmates were released from custody and one inmate has died.
- No inmates are hospitalized with the virus, and seven are receiving treatment in the infirmary. One new BCSO deputy has tested positive for the virus, and 23 deputies currently have COVID-19. A total of 46 deputies have recovered and are now back to work, Salazar said.
- Salazar reported ongoing issues at Jasper Mobile Home Park, a site of several fires and code violations in recent weeks. Two arrests in connection to the fires, suspected to be arson, were made on Tuesday. However, Salazar said one suspect is still at large. The suspect is wanted for arson of habitation, a first-degree felony. For more information on the happenings at the mobile home park, click here.
- A mobile command center near FM 78 and Walzem Road is still in operation after a recent spike of crimes in the area, Salazar said. Since the center’s operation, 28 arrests have been made so far, there are 18 reported gang contacts with lots of gang activity in area and seven stolen firearms have been recovered, Salazar said. In addition, 130 traffic stops were made in the area so far, and Salazar said the center will continue to be in operation to help lessen criminal activity.
- Deputies are still looking for a suspect that shot at a home in East Bexar County. The shooting occurred in the 8700 block of Glen Mont, according to deputies. The suspect is “believed to be 18 to 23 years of age, stands 5’10 to 6’0, and possibly weighs 140-160 pounds," as previously reported. Authorities said the suspect fled the scene in “a 1995 or 1996 gold Toyota Camry with dark tinted windows and a missing front passenger side hubcap." Anyone with more information on the suspect is urged to contact the sheriff’s office.
- Salazar reminded the public that if they are making online exchanges, they can utilize the sheriff’s office safe exchange zones. He reported several violent incidents that have happened recently have stemmed from online exchanges. The safe exchange zones are equipped with video surveillance, are well-lit and are in close proximity with authorities.
- A phone scam is circulating in Bexar County, and the sheriff reminded citizens that if they receive a call claiming they have a warrant out for their arrest or that they missed jury duty, the call is not actually from the sheriff’s office. Salazar said the scammers are using actual names of deputies and BCSO staff. However, the calls are spam and are aiming to get personal information from scam victims. “These crooks are very good at spoofing these numbers... Don’t fall for it," Salazar said.