San Antonio police officer fatally shot while writing ticket

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Authorities in Texas said they're searching for a man accused of fatally shooting a San Antonio police detective while the officer was writing a ticket Sunday afternoon.

Detective Benjamin Marconi died after being shot twice in his patrol car while writing a ticket down the street from the San Antonio Police Department headquarters. Police were looking for the shooter, but have identified a person who may have information on what they are calling a targeted attack.

"We consider this suspect to be extremely dangerous and a clear threat to law enforcement officers and the public," San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told reporters.

Marconi had pulled over a driver and was sitting in his patrol car writing a ticket when a black Nissan pulled up behind him. A black male, about 5 feet 7 inches tall with a beard, and wearing a hoodie and baggy pants, got out of the car and shot Marconi twice through his driver-side window, once in the head. The shooter then drove away.

San Antonio police are still looking for the shooter but posted on its Facebook page asking for help to identify a man in a picture who "might have information" on the slaying.

McManus said the motorist who was originally pulled over and the shooter do not appear to have a relationship. Officers have been told, however, not to conduct traffic stops on their own.

"Most families will be celebrating the holidays," McManus said. "SAPD will be burying one of its own because of an ultimate act of cowardice, but a suspect who will be caught and brought to justice."