San Antonio Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 11, 2001
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: December 11, 2001
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Patrolman Juan Morales was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while driving to work on his department motorcycle.
The 33-year-old driver of a vehicle in the center lane of rain-slick I-10 lost control of is pickup truck, sideswiped his motorcycle, causing him to be thrown to the ground and then struck another vehicle. The driver fled the scene but was followed by a citizen and was observed switching cars. The citizen continued to follow the driver, who was later apprehended. He was charged with intoxication manslaughter and manslaughter based on reckless driving.
In 1991, Patrolman Morales had apprehended the murderer of Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Carlos Warren. Trooper Warren's murder took place earlier in the evening near Austin and the murderer fled towards San Antonio. Patrolman Morales stopped the vehicle for speeding and was met by gunfire. He returned fire, wounding the murderer, and apprehended him.
Patrolman Morales had served with the San Antonio Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.