On January 18, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, two police officers conducted a traffic stop at the 700 block of Southcross for a violation. Upon approaching the vehicle, driven by 42-year-old Jervon Harper, one officer detected the smell of marijuana emanating from inside. When asked to exit the vehicle, Harper refused and engaged in a physical altercation with the officers.
Amidst the struggle, one officer observed Harper brandishing a handgun. In response, both officers drew their duty weapons, and one discharged a single round, striking Harper. Subsequently, Harper was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Officer Edgardo Valladares, who discharged his firearm during the incident, has been reassigned to administrative duty pending further investigation. Valladares, a three-year veteran of the force, will remain on administrative duty until the inquiry concludes.
San Antonio Police Department Press Release Re: Jervon Harper Shooting
Consistent with our Critical Incident Video Release Procedure, tomorrow afternoon SAPD will release a video from an Officer Involved Shooting that occurred on January 18, 2024.
Below is a brief synopsis:
Two SAPD officers, riding in the same marked patrol vehicle, conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation. One officer contacted the driver and asked him to step out of the vehicle after smelling the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver refused and began to physically fight with the officers as the officers attempted to detain him.
During the struggle, one officer observed the suspect with a handgun. Fearing for their lives, both officers pulled out their duty weapons and one officer fired a single round at the suspect, striking him.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
As with all officer involved shootings, the District Attorney’s Office is reviewing these incidents.