SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Kyle police officer who was found dead Sunday in San Marcos is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the City of San Marcos.
Fernando Solis, 28, was found dead in his personal vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex in San Marcos at around 5 p.m. The officer, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was found at Asbury Place Apartments in the 1300 block of Wonder World Drive.
"Kyle Police Department confirms that it was notified earlier this evening about the death of one of its police officers," said City of Kyle Communications Specialist Kim Hilsenbeck. "The incident occurred when the officer was off duty in San Marcos. The officer’s death is under investigation by the San Marcos Police Department."
Officials with the Kyle Police Department confirmed to KVUE that Solis was a veteran of the U.S. Marines Corps.
According to the City of Kyle, Solis was born in 1990 and graduated from Hays High School in 2008. He worked at H-E-B before enlisting in the Marines as a Motor Vehicle Operator from 2011 to 2015, when he was honorably discharged. He was last assigned at Camp Pendleton in California as part of the Light Armor Reconnaissance Battalion. He earned the Good Conduct Medal during his service.
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Solis joined the KPD in February 2017 and went into the police academy several months later. He was an active KPD officer since December 2017. He had two sons, ages 2 and 6.
“Solis will be fondly remembered by KPD staff,” Chief Jeff Barnett said. “His tragic death leaves a hole in our family. We have many unanswered questions. But what we need right now is to come together as a family to help, to listen, to heal, and to keep moving forward to serve the residents of Kyle.”
Barnett said all city staff has access to the Critical Stress Management Team. The department also has a Chaplain Program where KPD staff can talk with a member of the clergy who operate the all-volunteer program. The City of Kyle also has an Employee Assistance Program free of charge.
“We know this is a difficult time for Solis’s family and his work family,” Barnett said. “All staff should take time to reflect on what happened and talk with a counselor or member of the clergy if they desire.”
He said the KPD has received an outpouring of support from the community and local law enforcement agencies. He added that all city employees extend their condolences to the Solis family.
“We are grateful for the time that Fernando was able to be part of the family of brothers and sisters in blue,” Barnett said. “Our family will be here for your family.”