The Fiesta Market Square Shooting
The shootings at Fiesta’s Market Square on early Sunday, April 28, involved one young man with a very troubled history. Mikey Valdez, age 18, was shot and killed by San Antonio police officers after he exchanged gunfire with Albert Cisneros, 20, mortally wounding him.
Valdez was a repeat offender with a violent criminal record. His record shows his lack of respect for the law or fear of law enforcement.
The shootout also punched holes in the SA Police Department’s anti-crime plan. The plan uses a “Hot Spot” strategy involving highly visible police officers to deter violent crime. That did not work at Market Square.
The Shooting
On Sunday morning, April 28, 2024, officers heard gunshots near the Conch Alley in Market Square. They saw 18-year-old Mikey Valdez running and shooting at Albert Cisneros, 20.
SAPD Chief McManus told news outlets that two individuals opened fire on each other in the middle of Margarita Alley, and two officers returned fire at one of the suspects. Valdez was dead on the scene, and Cisneros was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Six other bystanders were also hit but had non-life-threatening injuries.
McManus emphasized that the young men involved in the shooting were both armed and shooting at each other. He added that two weapons were recovered at the scene.
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/market-square-shooting-san-antonio-19427261.php
Valdez’s Record
However, soon after Valdez’s identity was made known, social media posts began to appear regarding his criminal activities and arrests. On the day of his death, Valdez was out on three bonds: theft of a vehicle under $30k (a felony), unauthorized use of the vehicle (a felony), and unlawful carry of a weapon (gun) (a misdemeanor). He also had two active warrants, including theft of a firearm (a felony) and burglary of vehicles (a misdemeanor).
Valdez was arrested in April on active felony warrants on several charges: theft of a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He bonded out the next day.
A Violent Car Pursuit
One year ago, on April 13, 2023, three suspects, including Valdez, were arrested after a vehicle chase by the Texas Department of Public Safety authorities. At one point, Troopers shot at the suspect vehicle.
The chase started when DPS and ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms) officers saw the suspects breaking into vehicles at South Park Mall. Law enforcement officers tried to conduct a traffic stop on the trio, but instead, the driver fled, sparking a pursuit.
The driver, at one point, rammed two separate THP units. The suspect driver also hit a civilian’s car multiple times, which caused the innocent driver injuries.
Eventually, the three suspects were taken into custody, and each of them, including Valdez, faced charges of burglary of vehicles, evading authority, and aggravated assault.
More Charges One Year Later
One year later, on April 10, 2024, police arrested Valdez with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s office in connection with a string of vehicle burglaries. Police said several burglaries occurred in heavily populated parking lots, specifically identifying the areas around La Cantera and The Rim. Investigators recovered several pieces of stolen property, including weapons, at his home.
Police believed Valdez was tied to other burglaries, and more charges were expected at the time of his death. He had three warrants at the time of this arrest on April 10, including unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful carry, and theft of a car.
A Repeat Offender with No Fear of Law Enforcement
Valdez was a repeat offender with a pattern of criminal behavior. He did not fear law enforcement or the justice system at his young age.
Even more disturbing is that the shootout between Valdez and Cisneros happened in the middle of the Market, with hundreds of witnesses and the presence of police. It shows the boldness and lack of fear these thugs have. A dysfunctional home, coupled with liberal “social justice” policies, is emboldening criminals.
Chief McManus says there will be security checks for those visiting Market Square during Fiesta next year. “You can be assured you will be checked for weapons as you walk in,” he said.
Conclusion
Furthermore, hard-core criminals, the ones we all fear, do not appear to be afraid to commit crimes, including murder, in public areas where police presence and visibility are high. The SAPD “hot spot” crime plan, which depends on police visibility to deter crime, is not working.
Hard-core criminals and repeat offenders like Valdez are not afraid of the police. They are not scared of being punished because they won’t be.
San Antonio’s streets and public events must be made safe. Repeat offenders and hard-core criminals must be punished and removed from society. That will require a strong and active police force supported by local politicians, plus a District Attorney who does not play politics but prosecutes all criminals.