On Monday, July 7, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Brownwood Police responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in the 2000 block of 7th Street. A caller reported that her husband, later identified as 59-year-old Holly Edward Oliver, was in the front yard firing a gun and acting out of control. Witnesses stated 2 to 3 shots were discharged.
Oliver left the residence in a pickup truck and was believed to be heading toward an address on 1st Street. Just after midnight, officers located the pickup in the 300 block of Corrigan Street. As officers prepared to approach the vehicle on foot, Oliver drove toward two parked patrol units, stopping next to one and firing several rounds through the driver’s side window using what appeared to be an automatic rifle.
Officers returned fire as Oliver continued driving toward Norwood Street, where he fired additional rounds at approaching officers as they exited their vehicles. The suspect continued exchanging gunfire with police, driving in reverse until stopping at the intersection of Norwood and Vincent Streets.
Officers approached the vehicle and found Oliver in the driver’s seat. Life-saving efforts were initiated, and he was transported by medics to Hendricks-Brownwood, where he was later pronounced deceased.
One Brownwood officer was shot multiple times during the encounter and was taken to Hendricks-Brownwood Emergency Room. He remains in good condition and is awaiting surgery.
The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the attempted murder of multiple officers. Support during the incident was provided by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen E. Haynes issued a statement thanking the officers and first responders, noting the officer’s expected recovery and commending the police response during the targeted attacks.
