Man Killed in Drive-By Shooting Outside Far West Side San Antonio Restaurant: Community Shaken by Daylight Gun Violence Near 54th Street Grill
SAN ANTONIO, TX — A horrifying scene unfolded in broad daylight Tuesday afternoon on the Far West Side of San Antonio, as an unidentified man in his late 20s was gunned down in a brazen drive-by shooting while getting into his vehicle with family outside a bustling restaurant. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the 54th Street Scratch Grill & Bar, located in the 5700 block of West Loop 1604 North, just south of Culebra Road — a typically peaceful area known for its family-friendly atmosphere and commercial activity.

According to San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officials, the victim had just exited the restaurant alongside what witnesses described as two family members, possibly his spouse and a young child. Witnesses say the group appeared to be heading toward their parked vehicle when a silver Ford Explorer SUV, reportedly traveling slowly through the lot, pulled up, and multiple gunshots rang out in rapid succession.

Shooting Details: A Targeted Ambush or Random Act?
Preliminary investigations suggest the shooter — or shooters — fired from within the vehicle before it fled the scene heading northbound on Loop 1604. Emergency services were called immediately, and first responders arrived within minutes. Paramedics attempted life-saving efforts on the victim, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and upper body. Despite those efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos and confusion that erupted in the moments following the shooting. “We heard what sounded like fireworks at first — four or five quick pops — and then screaming,” said Gloria Martinez, who had been dining with her husband and two children inside the restaurant at the time. “I ran outside and saw a woman crying over the man’s body. It was horrible — just absolutely devastating.”

Investigators are still working to determine whether the shooting was targeted or random. Sources close to the investigation say the method and timing suggest premeditation, but police have not publicly confirmed a motive. Surveillance footage from surrounding businesses, including the restaurant and nearby retail outlets, is being reviewed for clues.

No Victim Identity Released Yet
As of Tuesday evening, authorities have not publicly released the identity of the victim, pending formal notification of next of kin. Police have only described him as a Hispanic male, approximately 28 to 32 years of age, dressed in casual clothing and appearing to be accompanied by family. It remains unclear whether the victim had any known associations with criminal activity or whether he was previously threatened.

SAPD spokesperson Sgt. David Lopez emphasized that the department is committed to finding those responsible. “This type of senseless violence — in broad daylight, in a busy commercial area — is absolutely unacceptable,” he said during a brief media conference. “We are pulling every resource available to bring this shooter to justice. We encourage anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact SAPD or Crime Stoppers immediately.”

The Vehicle: Silver Ford Explorer Being Sought
The primary lead in the investigation centers around the silver Ford Explorer, which fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Police say it may be a 2018-2022 model, possibly with tinted windows and minor body damage on the rear driver’s side panel. Surveillance footage has captured partial views of the SUV, but no license plate information has been released.

Authorities are seeking public assistance in identifying the vehicle and any occupants who may have been involved. “We believe this vehicle may have been involved in other suspicious activity in the area earlier that day,” said one detective speaking anonymously due to the ongoing nature of the case. “We’re looking at any possible connection to organized crime, gang activity, or retaliation incidents — but again, this is all preliminary.”

Community Reaction: Shock and Fear
The murder has rocked the normally serene Far West Side neighborhood, an area of San Antonio known for its rapid residential growth and family-oriented lifestyle. Local residents have expressed outrage and deep concern over the shooting, which occurred in a place frequented by children, seniors, and working-class families.

“I bring my kids here all the time after school. It’s one of the few places we feel safe,” said Rosa Delgado, a mother of three who lives just two blocks from the scene. “Now I don’t even know if I want to go out anymore. How can something like this happen in broad daylight — with families around?”

The restaurant itself remained closed for the rest of the day following the incident, and management issued a statement extending condolences to the victim’s family. “We are heartbroken by the tragic events that occurred outside our establishment this afternoon. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation,” the statement read.

Political and Law Enforcement Response
The incident has reignited calls from community leaders and local politicians for stronger action against gun violence. San Antonio City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, whose district includes the Far West Side, issued a statement Tuesday evening urging for calm but demanding results.

“This is yet another example of how our city is being affected by gun violence in ways that shatter families and terrorize communities,” Cabello Havrda said. “We will not tolerate this kind of violence. I am in close contact with SAPD and will ensure all necessary resources are provided for this investigation.”

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus also weighed in on the shooting during a late-afternoon press conference. “This is a crime that shakes the foundation of any city,” McManus said. “It was carried out in a public space, in daylight, in front of children. There’s no question this was an act of extreme disregard for human life, and we will track down the individuals responsible.”

Broader Context: Gun Violence in San Antonio
The city of San Antonio, like many urban areas across the country, has seen a recent uptick in gun-related violence. According to SAPD’s 2024 annual crime report, firearm-related homicides increased by nearly 18% compared to the previous year. Police cite a combination of factors, including increased gang activity, socioeconomic instability, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

“This incident may be part of a broader trend,” said criminologist Dr. Rachel Nunez of UTSA. “Drive-by shootings are less frequent than they were in the 1990s, but when they happen now, they tend to be more calculated, more deadly, and more often tied to ongoing conflicts.”

Appeal to the Public
Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect vehicle or any individuals involved. SAPD urges anyone with information to call their homicide division or contact Crime Stoppers at (210) 224-STOP. Anonymous tips are welcome, and a cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.

“Someone saw something,” said Sgt. Lopez. “We believe there are people out there who know exactly who did this. We need your help to stop this person or persons from hurting anyone else.”

A City in Mourning
As San Antonio wakes up to another tragic example of violence claiming a life, a family grieves in silence. A woman and child, believed to be the victim’s immediate family, were reportedly unharmed but traumatized by the incident. Police say they are being offered support services, including counseling.

“We will not forget this man,” said Councilwoman Cabello Havrda. “Even if we don’t yet know his name, he was a member of our community — a father, a son, a friend. His life mattered, and so will our pursuit of justice for him.”

Conclusion
As investigators work around the clock, and a shaken community grapples with fear and sorrow, the message from city leaders and residents alike is clear: the violence must stop, and those responsible must be held accountable. In the meantime, the Far West Side of San Antonio remains on high alert, its residents seeking answers, healing — and justice.