At approximately 12:12 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, San Marcos Police were dispatched to the Encino Pointe Apartments, 1800 Post Rd., in response to a shooting that had occurred. Initial calls to 911 referenced multiple gunshots heard near building 13.
Following the initial calls, San Marcos Police received an additional call to 911 from an off-duty officer with the Kyle Police Department. The officer indicated he had been shot while working as a courtesy officer at the apartment complex.
The officer told SMPD that he heard gunshots or fireworks. The off-duty officer told police that he approached a male and a female outside of building 13 to investigate. He added, the male pulled out a firearm and pointed it toward the officer firing at least two shots, striking the officer once. The officer was wearing a badge at the time that he was shot.
The officer told investigators he then discharged his weapon, but the suspect was not struck. The officer was transported to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle and is expected to recover.
Upon arrival minutes later, SMPD officers located the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Joseph Sifuentes, inside a unit at the apartment complex with several other occupants. Sifuentes matched the description provided by the off-duty officer. Sifuentes and the occupants eventually exited the apartment. Investigators initiated a search warrant, during which they found evidence believed to be related to the shooting. This evidence includes the suspected firearm believed to have been used by the suspect.
Sifuentes was transported to the Hays County Jail and faces charges that include Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Obstruction or Retaliation. Sifuentes also faces several charges related to previously issued arrest warrants.
The Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing.
