SAN ANTONIO, TX – An off-duty BCSO deputy and two others are dead after a wrong-way driver crashed into a car early Sunday on the far south side of San Antonio, police say. Police received a call about a driver in an F-150 heading north in the southbound lanes of I-37 close to Loop 1604 just before 2 a.m.
A few minutes later, police say the driver of the F-150 crashed into a black 2024 Ford Mustang close to Loop 410, flipped over, and caught fire.
The driver of the Mustang was identified as 20-year-old BCSO Deputy Meredith Portillo. Along with the driver of the F-150, the young deputy was pronounced dead on the scene.
One passenger of the Mustang died in the ambulance, and the other was taken to a local hospital, where police say they are in critical condition. Sadly, all of the victims were in their 20s, police say. Sheriff Javier Salazar noted that it was a heartbreaking day for the entire department.
Salazar said he has resources available for both the family and fellow deputies who are grieving. He said the department will find a way to honor Deputy Portillo’s life. “Anybody that is willing to put on this badge and serve is absolutely a hero in my book and she’ll always be remembered that way,” Salazar said.