Roger Craig Vittitoe, 29, was arrested in Hidalgo County on suspicion of stalking Lourdes McManus, the wife of San Antonio Police Chief William McManus. Authorities detained him on Saturday following an investigation into a series of harassing and obsessive messages allegedly sent by Vittitoe.
Vittitoe faces two third-degree charges related to stalking. The allegations stem from over 24 instances of contact within a span of 72 hours. These communications reportedly left Mrs. McManus alarmed and fearing for her safety.
The investigation revealed that Vittitoe’s messages included threatening language and were described as persistent in nature. These messages prompted a swift law enforcement response due to the nature of the threats and the target being related to a public official.
The San Antonio Police Department initiated the inquiry after Lourdes McManus reported the disturbing messages. Authorities tracked the origin of the communications, leading them to Hidalgo County, where Vittitoe was subsequently arrested.
The arrest warrant states that Vittitoe’s messages were sent through various platforms, indicating a deliberate effort to bypass potential blocks and continue the harassment. The content of these messages reportedly included explicit and threatening language, which raised significant concern for the safety of the victim.
The Bexar County Jail records show that Vittitoe is currently held on a bond for the charges. The court’s preliminary hearings are expected to address the severity of the threats and the impact on Mrs. McManus’ well-being.
This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with stalking cases, particularly those involving digital harassment. The involvement of a police chief’s family member underscores the seriousness with which the authorities approach threats to individuals’ safety.
Officials have not released further details about the motives behind Vittitoe’s alleged actions. The police chief’s office has refrained from commenting pending further investigation. The case continues to develop as law enforcement gathers more evidence.
The charges Vittitoe faces carry potential legal consequences, including prison time and fines, if convicted. Texas law considers stalking a third-degree felony, which can result in a sentence of two to ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
