The Mesquite Police Department is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on February 19, 2024, at the Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy Charter School. In response to the incident, they have released a Critical Incident Community Briefing video to provide insight into the ongoing investigation.
The Public Information Officer for the Mesquite Police Department emphasized the preliminary nature of the investigation, stating, "Our understanding of the incident may change as additional evidence is collected, analyzed, and reviewed."
The incident unfolded when an administrator at the charter school reported a student in possession of a handgun.
The first officer arrived on the scene within minutes, followed shortly by additional officers. Upon arrival, they found an administrator engaged in dialogue with the student, who had placed the handgun on the floor at his feet. Efforts were made to deescalate the situation peacefully.
Despite attempts to negotiate and calm the situation, the student attempted to retrieve the handgun, prompting officers to take action. One shot was fired by an officer when the student reached for the weapon, and subsequently, three officers fired at the suspect when he raised the handgun toward them.
Following the exchange of gunfire, the suspect complied with commands to exit the room and was taken into custody. He sustained a leg injury from the shooting and was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being transferred to Dallas County Juvenile Detention.
The suspect, identified as a 16-year-old male student, faces multiple charges including aggravated assault against a public servant and exhibition of a firearm. The officers involved in the incident, an 8-year veteran, a 5-year veteran, and an officer recently transferred to the department, discharged their firearms a total of 19 times in response to the two threats encountered.
A 38 Special revolver, possessed by the suspect, was recovered at the scene.
