NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
April 26, 2024: A 42-year-old Indian-American man, Sachin Kumar Sahoo, was shot and killed by police in San Antonio, Texas after he struck an officer with his vehicle as they were trying to arrest him in connection with an aggravated assault case against a woman.
SAPD Chief William McManus spoke to local media about the events leading up to the fatal confrontation. Earlier on Saturday, Sahoo was implicated in an assault involving a 51-year-old woman identified as Candace Byrnes, whom he purportedly struck with his white BMW SUV before fleeing the scene. According to witness testimony gathered by law enforcement, Byrnes was walking on the sidewalk when Sahoo, exiting a nearby driveway, veered onto the sidewalk, and collided with her.
Following the incident, officers obtained a warrant for Sahoo’s arrest. Upon their arrival at the scene several hours later, Sahoo attempted to evade custody by reversing his vehicle between two police vehicles, ultimately striking one of the officers in the process. In response to the imminent threat, Officer Tyler Turner discharged his weapon, striking Sahoo in the chest, resulting in his death despite immediate medical attention.
Officer Turner, a five-year veteran of the police department, was identified as the shooter in this fatal encounter. This incident marks the eighth shooting involving San Antonio police officers this year, with four of these occurrences proving fatal.
Sahoo died at the scene while one officer required hospitalization for injuries sustained during the altercation, and another received on-site medical treatment. Meanwhile, Candace Byrnes, the victim of the initial assault, remains in critical condition.
In the wake of this tragedy, Sahoo’s family has come forward, shedding light on his struggles with mental health issues. Speaking to KENS 5, Sahoo’s ex-wife, Leah Goldstein, tearfully recounted his battles with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia over the past decade. Goldstein said Sahoo was a devoted family man. She said his mental health challenges prevented him from realizing his dreams and aspirations.
