Press Releases
The San Angelo Police Department is releasing additional details regarding the officer involved shooting incident that occurred yesterday.
- No gunshots occurred inside of the store. Initially, some witnesses reported hearing what sounded like gunshots coming from inside the store. It is believed that the noise was the result of glass breakage when Welborn used an object to smash the store's gun case.
- The officer discharged his weapon three times. All three shots struck Welborn.
- Welborn remains hospitalized. The extent of his injuries and current medical condition is unknown.
The San Angelo Police Department strives for transparency. With all the rumor, misinformation, and innuendo associated with mass media regarding police incidents, it is important to us that we release as much information as possible without jeopardizing the integrity of ongoing investigations.
***SAPD***
A 42-year old man who was shot by police after committing an aggravated robbery at Walmart remains hospitalized this evening.
At approximately 2:40 p.m. today, San Angelo Public Safety Communications received multiple 911 calls regarding an unknown disturbance at the Walmart Supercenter located at 610 W. 29thStreet.
While enroute, officers received additional information that the subject was trying to break into a gun display case and was threatening employees with an explosive device.
Upon officer arrival, several witnesses pointed out the location of the suspect, who had run to his vehicle after fleeing the store.
An officer attempted to contact the man who appeared to be retrieving something from his vehicle. The officer gave several orders to the man to step away from his vehicle and show his hands but the man failed to comply with the orders. The man then retrieved a glass bottle from his vehicle, broke it and charged towards the officer at which time the officer fired upon the suspect. Police requested San Angelo Fire Department Medics to the scene and administered first aid until an ambulance arrived. Medics transported the suspect to Shannon Medical center for treatment. The extent of his injuries and current medical condition is unknown at this time.
Two additional persons of interest located at the store at the time of the incident were detained and questioned by investigators. The men were eventually released after investigators determined they were not involved with the incident.
Detectives learned that that prior to officer arrival, the suspect committed an aggravated robbery inside the store by threatening an employee with an alleged explosive device. After hearing the threat, the employee ran off and the suspect broke into the display case and retrieved a rifle. The suspect then fled the store after another employee took the rifle away from him.
The identity of the suspect is not being released at this time.
The entrances to Walmart were blocked by police for several hours during the investigation and the store remains closed to the public at this time. Several witnesses were also detained and interviewed before being released from the location.
This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available.
***SAPD***
On Saturday, March 22, 2014, just after 9:00 p.m., San Angelo Police were dispatched to the 7-11 convenience store located at 1801 S. Pierce for the report of a robbery.
Upon arrival, police spoke with witnesses who stated an unidentified male wearing a black ski mask and carrying a handgun walked into the store, approached the counter and fired a single shot into a display case. After he fired the round, the suspect left with an undisclosed amount of money and property. No one was injured during the incident.
Witnesses described the man as a light-complected Hispanic or White male, small build, approximately 5?09?, approximately 160 lbs., wearing a white shirt, black pants, and white shoes. The man reportedly spoke with a Hispanic accent. [See surveillance photo attachments]
No arrests have been made at this time. If you have any information about the identity or whereabouts of this suspect, please call Detective Lynn Dye at 325-657-4322 or Dispatch at 657-4315. To remain anonymous, call SAPD's 24 hour Tip Hotline at 1-855-TIPS-247. You can also text your tips, text ?TIP SAPD? plus the info to 888777. You can submit Tips online at http://local.nixle.com/tip/san-angelo-police-department/
***SAPD***
On Saturday, March 22, 2014, at approximately 8:19 p.m., San Angelo Police were dispatched to Mardi Gras Liquor located at 2427 S College Hills Boulevard for the report of a stolen vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers met with the victim and owner of the vehicle who told them he left his red, 2008 Hummer H3 unlocked and running as he went inside the store. When he was inside the store, the victim observed an unknown male enter his vehicle and drive off. Officer D. Welch reviewed the store's video surveillance and sent out a broadcast message with the suspect and vehicle description.
Later in the shift, Officer Welch was assisting as a backup officer on an unrelated call when he observed a red Hummer traveling southbound on College Hills. Recognizing the Hummer as the one reported stolen, Officer Welch quickly got into his patrol car and initiated a high-risk traffic stop, which ended when the driver pulled into the Allsup's parking lot at Millbrook and College Hills. A male driver and sole occupant of the Hummer was ordered from the vehicle at gunpoint. The man, who matched the description recorded on the surveillance video, was identified as William G. Drennan (DOB 11-10-75) of San Angelo. He was taken into custody without incident.
Drennan told police he ingested narcotics when he realized police were stopping him. He was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance for treatment. Upon his release, Drennan was transported to the Tom Green County Jail and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
The Hummer was returned to the owner.
***SAPD***
At approximately 2:18 a.m. this morning, San Angelo Police were dispatched the Creekside Apartment complex located at 3018 Knickerbocker for the report of a fire. The female caller, who resides in an upstairs unit with her 10-year-old daughter, advised dispatch she was afraid to cross over the flames and escape.
At 2:19 a.m., responding Patrol Officers T. McGee, J. Fisher and Apprentice Police Officer (APO) C. Flores arrived and located flames at the top of the stairway. The officers climbed the stairway and crossed over the fire. After locating the victims, Officer McGee proceeded to carry the 10-year-old girl down the stairs while the mother followed. Officer J. Fisher and APO Flores stayed at the top of the stairs and attempted to make contact with residents of the other unit; however, no one responded. Fearing that people may be asleep inside, the officers forced entry but they could not locate anyone. After clearing the unit, the officers proceeded to a downstairs unit where they were able to awaken a female resident from her smoke-filled apartment and escort her to safety. She told police she was completely unaware of the smoke or fire.
San Angelo Fire Department personnel arrived on scene to address the fire while SAPD officers proceeded to the other side of the building in an attempt to assist other residents with evacuation. The officers observed smoke coming from the upstairs units and attempted to awaken the occupants; however, no one responded. Once again, fearing that residents may be inside and unaware of the danger, the officers forced entry into the smoke-filled units. Four additional residents were located and escorted to safety.
No one was reportedly injured during the fire. A spokesperson for the San Angelo Fire Department stated the source of the fire is currently under investigation.
No additional information is available at this time.
***SAPD***