In a critical incident report issued by Sheriff David Soward, a deputy-involved shooting occurred in Atascosa County following a domestic disturbance call. The incident resulted in the fatal shooting of Richard Albert Viscarra Jr., a 42-year-old resident of northern Atascosa County.
Incident Overview
Shortly before 11:15 p.m. on June 21, 2024, deputies responded to a residence on North 5th Street in the Royal Oaks Subdivision, located off FM 476 North between Rossville and Somerset. A female caller reported that her husband was arguing and punching the walls. Deputies had previously been called to the same location for similar disturbances.
Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with the caller on the front porch. During their conversation, a male subject emerged from the house. The deputy repeatedly asked the man to come outside, but he refused. The male then grabbed a large butcher knife and advanced towards the deputy, ignoring multiple commands to stop and drop the weapon.
The Confrontation
The subject descended the steps with the knife in hand, adopting an aggressive stance as he moved toward the deputy. In response to the immediate threat, the deputy fired four shots, all of which struck the subject. Despite efforts by deputies on the scene to administer lifesaving aid, the subject was pronounced dead.
The deceased was identified as Richard Albert Viscarra Jr. According to his wife, Viscarra had previously expressed intentions of “suicide by cop.”
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the incident, the Texas Rangers were called to lead the investigation. The deputy involved, a four-and-a-half-year veteran of law enforcement, has been placed on administrative leave as per standard policy.
Sheriff Soward emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that all procedures are being followed to ensure a thorough and transparent review of the events.
This critical incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement officers face when responding to domestic disturbances and the unpredictable nature of such calls. The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office has pledged full cooperation with the Texas Rangers to determine all the facts surrounding this tragic event.
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