On Thursday, February 8, 2024, around 1:30 p.m., an Arlington Police officer conducting traffic enforcement along I-20 made a traffic stop near Green Oaks Boulevard due to a vehicle driving erratically across multiple westbound lanes. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, engaged with the adult male driver.
Following their conversation and observations, the officer instructed the driver to turn off and exit the vehicle. However, the driver failed to comply with these instructions. Subsequently, the officer noticed the driver was in possession of a firearm and repeatedly commanded him to drop it. Despite the officer's orders, the driver did not comply.
In response to the escalating situation, the officer discharged his service weapon multiple times, striking the driver. Emergency services were summoned, and the driver was transported to a nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The officer involved in the incident did not sustain any injuries. Investigative efforts led to the recovery of the driver's firearm at the scene.
Standard protocol dictates that two separate investigations will be carried out: a criminal investigation, overseen by the APD Homicide Unit, to scrutinize the entirety of the incident and ascertain any potential criminal acts, and an administrative investigation, led by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, to assess adherence to departmental policies and procedures.
During the investigative process, the officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave, as per department policy.
Identification of the deceased individual will be carried out by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office following notification of next of kin.
