SAPD officer accidentally fatally shoots himself outside elementary school

SAN ANTONIO — An SAPD officer was shot by his own pistol Tuesday morning in what police are calling a tragic accident.

The shooting happened around 9:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of Fitch Street near West Southcross Boulevard at the Columbia Heights Elementary School building, which has been closed for a year.

SAPD Chief William McManus, who gave remarks at the scene, said Officer William Kasberg was arriving for state-mandated training at the school. He was reportedly gathering his belongings to take inside when his pistol went off accidentally.

Another officer who was also arriving found Kasberg lying beside his pickup truck. He was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

McManus remembered Kasberg fondly as a well-respected officer. He had been with the San Antonio Police Department for 30 years and nearing retirement.

“He was a good officer, always up, always joking. He never seemed to have a care in the world, and then this happened,” McManus said. “This is a sad day for SAPD.”

The training taking place was called Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) and is required by the State of Texas.

As far as the school, Harlandale ISD voted in 2023 to close Columbia Heights Elementary at the end of that school year due to low enrollment.

“We want to emphasize that no Harlandale ISD students are present at the Columbia Heights Center, as the facility is used for training activities,” district officials said in a statement.