A Fort Worth Police Officer has been terminated following his involvement in an off-duty shooting that occurred on September 3, 2024. Officer William Martin, badge #3572, was dismissed from the department on Friday, October 18, 2024, after an administrative investigation concluded.
The incident began when South Division patrol officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run on Interstate 35 near Morningside Drive. Officer Martin reported that a man had struck his vehicle and fled the scene. In pursuit of the driver, Officer Martin exited his vehicle and fired his weapon into the fleeing vehicle, striking the driver, who was later hospitalized but survived his injuries.
The Major Case Unit launched an investigation into the shooting, during which Officer Martin was placed on restricted duty pending the outcome. The investigation revealed probable cause for the charge of Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon, leading to Officer Martin's arrest on September 20, 2024. He was subsequently booked into the Tarrant County Jail.
Following his arrest, Officer Martin was assigned to detached duty while the Internal Affairs Unit conducted an administrative investigation. After a thorough review, Martin’s chain of command determined that the level of force he used was unjustified. Chief Noakes agreed with this assessment and subsequently terminated Martin’s employment with the Fort Worth Police Department.
The department reiterated its commitment to accountability, emphasizing that it will continue to uphold the standards expected of its officers. At the time of the incident, Officer Martin had served with the Fort Worth Police Department for 19 years and was assigned to the Support Bureau.
