Bexar sheriff: Man accused of sexually abusing 3 girls dies by suicide as deputies try to arrest him

A 71-year-old man accused of sexually abusing three young girls died by suicide Tuesday as Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived at his Far West Bexar County home to serve an arrest warrant, Sheriff Javier Salazar said.

Deputies with the Sheriff's Top Offenders Program, or STOP, were serving a warrant obtained through the agency's Child Safe Unit when they heard a gunshot from inside the home.

"When they made entry into the home, they realized that the suspect ... took his life by virtue of a self-inflicted gunshot wound," Salazar said.

Deputies attempted life-saving measures until EMS arrived and pronounced the man dead.

The man had been under investigation for several weeks after Child Safe Unit investigators received allegations that he sexually abused three girls, all younger than 14. 

Salazar said investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging the man with sexual abuse of a child younger than 14, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison.

Investigators believe the abuse occurred over several months - and possibly years - beginning in another state before continuing in Bexar County.

Although the sheriff's office does not have jurisdiction over the alleged out-of-state abuse, Salazar said investigators used those allegations as background during the investigation.

The suspect had "ready access" to the three girls because of his living situation but declined to elaborate to protect their identities,  all three victims are now safe with family members.

Salazar said the suspect was a military veteran and had previously worked in law enforcement in another state.

Authorities have not released the suspect's identity because they are still notifying next of kin.

Because the fatal gunshot occurred as deputies were attempting to serve the warrant, the death is being investigated as a custodial death. The sheriff's Office of Public Integrity, Internal Affairs Division and Homicide Unit will conduct separate but concurrent investigations.

Salazar said no deputies are expected to be placed on administrative leave because investigators do not believe any deputy used force during the incident.

The sheriff also encouraged victims and witnesses of abuse to come forward, acknowledging how difficult it can be to report such crimes.

"It all starts with that first call," Salazar said. "My philosophy on these kinds of cases is you start by believing what is being alleged... What we want is justice for those victims, to the extent that we can."

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