An off-duty San Antonio police officer has been fired after allegedly pursuing and shooting at a car-theft suspect, in violation of department policies. Officer Miguel Leal was suspended indefinitely without pay on March 21, following an internal investigation conducted by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD).

According to official paperwork, Leal's suspension stemmed from accusations of improper use of a firearm and endangering a civilian vehicle passenger. The disciplinary records indicate that Leal's actions violated SAPD policies, resulting in his indefinite suspension, which is equivalent to termination.

The incident occurred on November 20 when Leal received a call informing him that his blue Dodge Charger had been stolen at gunpoint from an Autozone in Southwest San Antonio. Despite being off duty, Leal decided to intervene after hearing a police radio report about his stolen vehicle being spotted, with SAPD units in pursuit. He drove to the scene with an unidentified civilian passenger, not in uniform and without using a marked police vehicle.

Upon reaching the location of the chase, Leal used the vehicle he was driving to block the suspect's path, as stated in the disciplinary records. He then confronted the suspect, pointing a gun at him and discharging a single shot.

The suspension paperwork highlighted that Leal failed to exercise sound judgment by involving himself in the incident while off duty, especially when it was already being handled by on-duty uniformed officers in marked police vehicles.

Furthermore, it was discovered that Leal did not possess a permit to carry the Smith & Wesson gun he used during the altercation. The suspension documentation also reprimanded him for putting both the passenger and the suspect in harm's way.

The SAPD indicated that the suspect involved in the car theft was not employing deadly force, rendering Leal's use of his weapon a violation of the department's General Manual.

The indefinite suspension without pay serves as a severe consequence for Officer Leal's actions, effectively terminating his employment with the San Antonio Police Department. This incident raises questions about the importance of adhering to department protocols and proper judgment, even when off duty.