San Antonio police officer fatally shot while writing ticket

San Antonio Police Detective Benjamin Marconi, pictured, was fatally shot while writing a traffic citation in his patrol car. Police have not caught the shooter, who didn't appear to have a relationship with the driver who'd been pulled over, but have identified a person of interest they are searching for. Photo by San Antonio Police Department

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 20 (UPI) — A San Antonio police detective was shot to death while writing a traffic ticket Sunday afternoon, and police are still looking for the suspect, who drove away.

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 are still 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 5’7″ with a beard and wearing a hoodie and baggy pants, got out of the car, 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 their Facebook page asking for help to identify a man in a picture who “might have information” on the murder of Marconi.

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.”

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