The Arlington Police Department has made available key portions of body-worn camera footage related to an officer-involved shooting incident that took place on October 7, 2024, at an apartment complex located in the 1400 block of E. Lamar Boulevard. Members of the public can view the footage on the department's YouTube channel.
At approximately 9:01 PM that evening, officers were dispatched to the apartment complex in response to a Suspicious Person call. The 911 caller reported seeing an unknown man in the parking lot looking into parked vehicles and expressed concern that he appeared to be carrying a gun.
Two officers from the Arlington Police Department arrived on the scene and quickly found the individual, identified as 34-year-old Tony Coward, lying on his back on the hood of a vehicle. Upon arrival, the officers illuminated Coward with a flashlight, announced their presence as police, and inquired about the situation.
During this interaction, the officers noticed a handgun on Coward's hip. As he sat up, the officers instructed him to show his hands; however, Coward instead retrieved the gun and aimed it at the officers. In response, both officers fired their service weapons multiple times, hitting Coward.
Following the shooting, officers provided aid to Coward until paramedics arrived. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
No officers were injured during the incident. Investigators later confirmed that Coward had discharged his firearm during the confrontation. A spent shell casing was recovered at the scene and matched Coward's gun, which was also found at the site.
The investigations into both the criminal and administrative aspects of this incident are ongoing. According to department policy, both officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave but have since returned to duty.