New Bodycam Reveals Armed Passenger Before Deputies Opened Fire in Viral Traffic Stop

Newly released police body camera footage is shedding more light on a traffic stop in San Marcos that recently went viral online and sparked intense debate. According to authorities, deputies pulled over a red Hyundai Sonata late at night for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, officers reportedly noticed registration inconsistencies and damage to the steering column, which raised concerns the vehicle could potentially be stolen. Police say deputies began investigating the situation further while speaking with the two people inside the car — a 21-year-old driver and a 33-year-old passenger. Officers safely removed the driver from the vehicle, but the passenger allegedly ignored repeated commands from law enforcement. Bodycam footage released by the department shows the passenger rolling up the window, reaching toward the floorboard area, and retrieving what police say was a semiautomatic handgun. Authorities say deputies repeatedly ordered the man to drop the weapon, but he refused to comply and instead raised the gun. At that point, five deputies and one officer opened fire, according to officials. The 33-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident had already sparked widespread discussion online after an earlier clip of the encounter circulated on social media. The newly released bodycam video now provides additional context about what officers say happened during the moments leading up to the shooting. Investigations into the incident and the use of force are typically reviewed by internal departments and prosecutors to determine whether procedures and policies were followed. The footage is now fueling renewed debate over policing, use-of-force decisions, and the role of body-worn cameras in providing transparency during critical incidents.