Video: Streaker at the Alamo tackled by ranger in front of tourists, children

A man went from walking shirtless to running completely naked in front of one of Texas' most historical sites — the Alamo -- as tourists looked on.

Surveillance cameras at the Alamo caught the May 6 incident, which ended with the man being tackled by authorities, with the help of a pair of bystanders.

The suspect was identified as Hector Vincent Melero, a 41-year-old man from San Diego, California. He told police that he was streaking "because a black unknown male stole his wallet and tablet," according to a San Antonio police report.

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Melero was charged with disorderly conduct and exposure, according to the report.

He walks off before sitting down to remove the rest of his clothes and putting them in a stroller. Then he embarks on his dash across the plaza.

He didn't get very far. The video shows an Alamo Ranger tackle the streaker with two other men stepping in to help.

"This is just one of several incidents that have happened on the 1836 footprint over the years," said Bryan Preston, director of communications at the Texas General Land office. "While he's the only streaker I'm aware of, we've had a man in his underwear ride around on a stick pony and other unfortunate disrespectful incidents."

A streaker was tackled at the Alamo in front of tourists on May 6, 2018. A streaker was tackled at the Alamo in front of tourists on May 6, 2018. Photo: Screenshot/Youtube Photo: Screenshot/Youtube Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Video: Streaker at the Alamo tackled by ranger in front of tourists, children 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

Douglass McDonald, CEO of the Alamo, said incidents like this one are unfortunate and can ruin a tourist experience.

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"This behavior falls short on so many counts," McDonald said. "We had a family out there and the only thing they might remember is that a man decided to undress and run by them."

Alamo Rangers take the incident seriously, but there's not much preventative action they can take unless something illegal occurs, McDonald said.

That's because the plaza is public property ran by the city, making it a target for both protesters and those wishing to cause a scene at odds with the historical significance of the site, officials said.

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The surveillance video starts with the shirtless man walking around with a stroller around 9 p.m.

"Most attractions don't have this kind of uncontrolled space in front of its front door," McDonald said. "I would like to see the space better controlled to create a memorable experience based on celebrations and not people running nude throughout Alamo Plaza."

Click through the slideshow to see other controversial displays in front of the Alamo.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA