DENTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers are investigating a shooting involving a Denton police officer that occurred Sunday afternoon.
At 12:10 p.m., Denton Public Safety Communications received 911 calls expressing concern for an adult male who appeared intoxicated at a pickleball court on the 1100 block of Riney Road. Officers arrived to find the man on the north side of the courts, where he climbed a fence holding a metal rod. The man reportedly told officers they would have to kill him and threatened them with the rod.
Officers attempted to verbally deescalate the situation, but the man climbed down and charged at them with the rod. One officer deployed a Taser, which was ineffective, while a second officer fired multiple shots, striking the suspect several times. Officers rendered aid immediately, and the man was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will release his identity after notifying his family.
No officers or other residents were injured during the incident. The officer who discharged his firearm has been placed on administrative leave, as per department policy, while Internal Affairs conducts an administrative investigation. All inquiries regarding the criminal investigation should be directed to the Texas Rangers, according to a press release from the department.