90º

Medical examiner identifies man who accidentally shot and killed himself while taking out trash

Harold Woodrow Thomas Jr. was killed on Tuesday

SAN ANTONIO – The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who accidentally shot and killed himself while taking his trash to a dumpster on Tuesday morning.

Harold Woodrow Thomas Jr. died after being shot just before 6 a.m. at the Stratton Place Apartments in the 12400 block of Starcrest Drive, not far from Jones Maltsberger Road.

According to police, Thomas was walking to a dumpster while carrying both his trash and a gun. That’s when the man slipped on the wet, muddy hill, and the weapon he was carrying fell and accidentally discharged, according to SAPD.

Police said he appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound to his chest.

Thomas was taken to an area hospital, where he later died.

SAPD said investigators found the gun later near the trash bags.

The San Antonio Police Department, the San Antonio Fire Department and EMS all responded to the call.

Police determined that the shooting was the result of a freak accident.

SAPD said investigators found the gun near the trash bags. (KSAT)

About the Authors

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.

Recommended Videos