SAN ANTONIO — Neighbors in Stillwater Ranch are still shaken by a shooting that struck homes and cars near a popular pickleball court.
The shooting happened around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday in the 12600 block of Emmett Grove, where gunfire was exchanged between two to three vehicles, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said bullets hit several homes and parked cars.
The violence unfolded just yards from the pickleball courts, where families and friends, including Henry Madrano IV, had gathered for the evening game. A video he and his daughter shared on social media showed the moment the players heard gunfire and ran for cover.
“As soon as I turned around, I saw about six gun flashes coming out of the window of a car that was heading away from us,” he said. “So I basically told my family to go to the farthest corner and go down.”
He described the moment as surreal and traumatic for his family and other teenagers.
“Some of the girls were hysterical. The boys were hysterical,” he said. “When they were huddled in the corner, which is really wrong, they were just trying to find cover. They were trying to be safe.”
Homeowners who spoke off camera said bullets pierced their windows and shell casings were found in their yards. They hope the shooting was an isolated incident and say the shooting is troubling.
Alessandro Flores plays regularly on the courts and lives in the nearby area. He said he watches his back when shooting.
“I know you’re focused on the game and everything, but you still need to be aware of your surroundings,” he said. “No matter where you are, something like this can happen.”
He said he was surprised to learn that the violence happened so close to where families gather to play.
“You don’t expect something like this,” Flores said. “You expect it to be a chilly day when you’re playing pickleball with friends or family. So it was definitely shocking.”
Madrano said he sought out courts in the Stillwater Ranch area because he felt it was safe for his family.
“Whether it’s isolated or not, it’s reckless,” Madrano said. “Bullets can hit anywhere, they don’t have a name on them… I probably won’t come back in the evening. I’ll probably go in the morning, maybe.”
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting.
Police arrested a 17-year-old boy and 18-year-old Anya West less than a mile from the scene. West was charged with tampering with evidence. Information about the minor has not been released.
Investigators are also looking into the role of a man who arrived at the emergency center with gunshot wounds shortly after the shooting. Authorities said he was not cooperating with deputies and they are working to determine whether he was the victim or involved in the shooting.
Read also:
Copyright KSAT 2026. All rights reserved.