National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Patrolman

Memorial Panel: 36-W: 1

Department: San Antonio, Texas, P.D.

End of Watch: June 30, 1973

Cause: SHOT

Age: 24

Years of Service: 4

Description: Patrolman Spannagel was shot and killed with his own service weapon during a struggle with a suspect. He had gone to a home to follow up on a domestic disturbance complaint when the male suspect began to struggle with him. The man was able to gain control of Patrolman Spannagel's .357 caliber service revolver and shot him in the chest. The suspect was arrested at the scene by responding officers. The man was convicted only of manslaughter and released from prison after serving only a few years. Patrolman Spannagel had been with the agency for four years and was survived by his wife and two children.