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San Antonio man sentenced to 40 years in prison for attempted capital murder of police officer

Adrian Cardenas pleads guilty to shooting officer during foot chase. Officer was hit in body-worn camera.

Adrian Cardenas sentenced to 40 years for attempted capital murder of a police officer. (Copyright 2022 by KSAT - All rights reserved.)

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the attempted capital murder of a police officer after taking a plea deal on Monday.

Adrian Cardenas, 23, was expected to go to trial Monday, but instead pleaded guilty to three felony charges.

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Cardenas was accused of exchanging gunfire with a San Antonio Police Officer on Oct. 5, 2020, after fleeing from a traffic stop.

Adrian Cardenas (KSAT)

The officer’s body camera potentially saved his life as a bullet hit the camera instead of the officer.

Cardenas was facing three charges; attempted capital murder of a police officer, robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He was sentenced to 40 years on the attempted capital murder charge and 10 years for each of the other two charges.

That sentence will run concurrently, and Cardenas will be eligible for parole in 20 years.

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About the Authors
Erica Hernandez headshot

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.

Misael Gomez headshot

Misael started at KSAT-TV as a photojournalist in 1987.