SAN ANTONIO – The trial of three San Antonio police officers in Melissa Perez’s 2023 shooting death resumes today, following a tense Thursday of testimony from officers who responded to the scene.
The incident occurred in June 2023, when officers were called to Perez’ apartment for a reported disturbance. According to court documents, Perez, who suffered from schizophrenia, refused to come out when officers attempted to speak with her.
RELATED: Key witness testifies in trial of former San Antonio officers accused in fatal shooting
As police knocked on her door and tried to make contact, she approached holding a hammer. The situation escalated, and several officers opened fire, striking Perez.
On Thursday, Officer Jonathan Salinas, the third officer on the scene and not one of the officers facing charges, testified about the moments leading up to Melissa Perez’s shooting. He said Perez struck him and that he had ended the call after getting approval to cite her for a misdemeanor, before it escalated.
RELATED: Trial reveals tense moments in Melissa Perez shooting case
Defense attorney Nico LaHood argued officers had a right to defend themselves, calling Perez’s hammer a deadly weapon. Officer Jesus Rojas agreed but admitted, “Everybody showed some kind of bad tactics.”
Salinas said the incident escalated to a felony after property damage reports, and Sgt. Alfred Flores soon authorized Perez’s arrest. Moments later, she was shot — a decision jurors must now weigh carefully.
Sgt. Alfred Flores and Officer Eleazor Alejandro are charged with murder. Officer Nathaniel Villalobos faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant.