Man with Handgun Prompts Shelter-in-Place in Presidio; Apprehended Near School

A report of gunshots near FM170 East of Presidio early Saturday morning led to a multi-agency response and a brief shelter-in-place order for local schools.

At approximately 6:17 AM, US Border Patrol agents monitoring a camera near Fort Leaton observed a man emerge from a brushy area with a handgun. The man began firing shots away from the agents and stated he intended to harm himself. Due to darkness and the terrain, agents could not immediately approach.

Presidio County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived around 6:35 AM and closed FM170 East for public safety. Soon after, officers from Presidio Police Department, Texas DPS Troopers, HSI agents, and a Border Patrol BORTAC unit joined the effort. A drone and air support were requested to locate the individual.

Law enforcement established a unified command, including US Border Patrol supervisors, Chief Deputy Sheriff Nuñez, and Presidio Police Chief Covos. PISD Police placed local schools on a Shelter in Place protocol, with increased law enforcement presence around campuses due to the incident’s proximity.

A report of footprints heading towards town shifted the search, leading authorities to investigate a suspicious person near the Presidio packing sheds.

At approximately 9:34 AM, Chief Covos located the subject south of the PHS Track Field and initiated a felony stop. The individual was identified as Felisardo Sanchez Ortiz, 30, of Odessa, Texas, and was apprehended without incident at 9:41 a.m. He was found in possession of a recently fired 9mm pistol and admitted to firing shots near Fort Leaton earlier, stating his intention was self-harm.

Sanchez Ortiz was transferred to the US Border Patrol investigative unit for further investigation and federal prosecution and will also face state charges.

Presidio County Sheriff’s Office and Presidio Police Department expressed their gratitude to all responding agencies for their swift response and the community for their useful feedback.