Officer Joseph J. Pedraza

Officer Joseph J. Pedraza
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: May 7, 1879
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
End of Watch: Monday, October 6, 1924
Date of Incident: Monday, October 6, 1924
Age: 44
Badge Number: 7
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Suspect Info: Ruled accidental
Weapon Used: Military officer’s revolver
Buried: San Fernando Cemetery #2
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
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Provost guard Pvt. C. R. Jennings and another provost guard were attached to downtown military police and patrolling the 500 block of E. Commerce. The two military police officers approached a nearby dance hall where a disturbance was occurring between soldiers and civilians. The two military police officers tried to stop the disturbance but were opposed by civilians. Jennings, fearing as he heard one say he was getting a gun had radioed for help to military headquarters.
Jennings then drew his revolver and fired a shot to the ground for the purpose of scarring those involved in the disturbance. The bullet ricochets from a cement sidewalk. At the same time of the fired shot, Officer Pedraza was walking his assigned beat and approached the scene. The shot fired by Jennings struck Officer Pedraza in the abdomen as he turned the corner, causing him to fall to his knees. Near by civilians assisted Officer Pedraza to the corner of Houston and St. Mary's. Officer Pedraza was placed into a car and transported to Santa Rosa Hospital. While enroute to the hospital, Officer Pedraza succumbed to his wound before arriving to the hospital; San Antonio Police think after questioning witnesses and a statement from Jennings, feel positive the shooting was accidental. Police think it is possible Jennings revolver might have accidently discharged as he pulled it from the holster. Police said Officer Pedraza was considered one of the most efficient of officers.

Officer Pedraza was survived by his wife and two children. Officer Pedraza was a member of SAPD since 1912 and was considered one of its most efficient officers. -----source from San Antonio Light and San Antonio Express News