San Antonio Park Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Sunday, July 31, 1994
Add to My HeroesPaul Matthew Pytel
Park Ranger Paul Pytel drowned in Salado Creek while chasing a gang-related shooting suspect through Martin Luther King Park.
He and another park ranger heard the shooting and chased two suspects into the park while calling for backup. A San Antonio police officer arrived on the scene and was taking the two suspects into custody on one side of the creek when Ranger Pytel either jumped or fell into the creek on the other side. Six other officers jumped into the creek in an attempt to save him when he failed to resurface.
The two subjects were charged in connection with Park Ranger Pytel's death under the state's Calderon Law, which was enacted following the death of Patrolman Patricia Calderon who drowned in the same creek while chasing a suspect on December 27th, 1988.
Ranger Pytel is survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 9 years
- Badge 9826
Incident Details
- Cause Drowned
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsIt’s been 26 years and not a day goes by that I don’t missmy brother. Even though he’s not w us…he is busy looking
Over us and keeping us safe, as he did because of his love for humanity. Thank you everyone who continue to keep him in your memory.
Judy Pytel
His Sis
September 11, 2021
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