DEPARTMENT:
San Antonio Police Department
END OF WATCH:
Saturday, June 30, 1973
Patrolman Russell Spannagel was shot and killed with his own service weapon during a struggle with a suspect.
He had gone to a home to follow up on a domestic disturbance complaint when the male suspect began to struggle with him. The man was able to gain control of Patrolman Spannagel’s .357 caliber service revolver and shot him in the chest. The suspect was arrested at the scene by responding officers. The man was convicted only of manslaughter and released from prison after serving only a few years.
Patrolman Spannagel had served with the San Antonio Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
THE 100 CLUB OF SAN ANTONIO WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF ITS SUPPORTERS. WITHOUT YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS, WE WOULD BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!
