23-year-old Robert Cameron Redus was shot killed by a campus police officer after a high-speed chase. After being pulled over, the catholic honors college student reportedly stole the officer's baton and began attacking him, according to police, NBC News reported.
University police Cpl. Chris Carter shot Redus at least three times early last Friday morning at an off-campus apartment complex in Alamo Heights, Texas, authorities said.
Carter was placed on paid administrative leave on Monday pending an investigation.
"Carter was returning from a break when he saw a driver speeding erratically near the front of the campus. He followed the car to the apartment complex and radioed headquarters for assistance from local police," the university said in a statement, according to NBC News.
"Alamo Heights is a incorporated town within the San Antonio city limits with it own police force, and because Carter mistakenly identified his location as being in San Antonio, the call went out to the wrong police department. It was several extra minutes before Alamo Heights police were called and could respond," NBC News reported.
As Redus and Carter were fighting, Redus managed to get hold of Carter's police baton and started beating the officer. It was then Carter drew his gun and fired at the 23-year-old.
"At no time during the incident did the suspect identify himself and there is no evidence that the officer had any knowledge of his student status or his place of residence," the university said.
Redus, who was known as Cameron, was a senior communications arts major who was scheduled to graduate with honors in May from the university in San Antonio. He was an anchor for UIWTV, the campus TV stations, CNN reported.
"He was such a sweet boy, very sweet, very respectful. He always had a smile on his face," his classmate Terri Mullins told NBC station WOAI of San Antonio, who attended his memorial vigil last Saturday.
