Park Ranger Paul Matthew Pytel

Paul Matthew Pytel

Park Ranger Paul Pytel drowned in Salado Creek while chasing a gang-related shooting suspect through Martin Luther King Park.

He and another park ranger heard the shooting and chased two suspects into the park while calling for backup. A San Antonio police officer arrived on the scene and was taking the two suspects into custody on one side of the creek when Ranger Pytel either jumped or fell into the creek on the other side. Six other officers jumped into the creek in an attempt to save him when he failed to resurface.

The two subjects were charged in connection with Park Ranger Pytel's death under the state's Calderon Law, which was enacted following the death of Patrolman Patricia Calderon, who drowned in the same creek while chasing a suspect on December 27th, 1988.

Ranger Pytel had served with the San Antonio Park Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers.