SAN ANTONIO, TX — A violent shootout outside a North Side bar early Monday left one man dead and four others injured, according to San Antonio police. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as 34-year-old Jesus Vela, who died from gunshot wounds at a local hospital.
The incident unfolded around 12:45 a.m. at Aura Bar and Lounge on Ironside Drive, where a fight between two groups escalated into gunfire. Witnesses told investigators that Vela, who was in the parking lot, pulled out a firearm and began shooting toward the altercation, striking three bystanders—a 23-year-old man, a 29-year-old man, and a 19-year-old woman.
In response, another patron returned fire, hitting Vela during the exchange. All five individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, where Vela was later pronounced dead. The other victims are expected to survive their injuries.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has launched a separate investigation into the bar’s operations, examining whether any alcohol service violations contributed to the violent incident. Meanwhile, San Antonio police are working to determine what sparked the initial fight and whether additional charges will be filed.
This marks the latest in a string of late-night violence at local bars, raising concerns about security measures at entertainment venues. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact SAPD’s Homicide Unit as the investigation continues.
