16-Year-Old Injured in East Side Shooting

SAPD investigating incident involving discharged firearm

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, shadowy surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gun violence that struck a 16-year-old girl in San Antonio.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the gun violence that continues to impact San Antonio's youth.San Antonio Today

A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized after being struck by a gunshot inside her bedroom on the East Side of San Antonio. Police say a 39-year-old man's firearm was discharged, hitting the teen, before he fled the scene. The victim's condition is unknown and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is an ongoing concern in San Antonio, which has seen a rise in youth-related crimes and shootings in recent years. This incident highlights the need for improved gun safety, storage, and education to prevent accidental discharges and protect vulnerable community members.

The details

According to the San Antonio Police Department, the shooting occurred just before 10:30 pm on Saturday in the 200 block of Rivertree. Officers responding to the scene found the 16-year-old victim inside her bedroom with an apparent gunshot wound. Authorities were told that a 39-year-old man's gun was discharged and struck the teen, though the man had fled the area before police arrived. The injured girl was transported to a local hospital for treatment, though her current condition is unknown.

  • The shooting occurred just before 10:30 pm on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

16-year-old victim

A teenage girl who was struck by a gunshot inside her bedroom on the East Side of San Antonio.

39-year-old man

An individual whose firearm was discharged, striking the 16-year-old victim, before he fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity and whereabouts of the 39-year-old man involved.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved gun safety and storage practices to protect vulnerable members of the community, especially children, from the risks of accidental gun violence.