TEMPLE, TX - On Thursday, October 23, 2025, at approximately 9:51 p.m., a Temple Police officer on patrol requested dispatch to create a call after observing a suspicious person walking on private property near the 1200 block of W Avenue G. Two officers responded and made contact with the man, asking him to stop and speak with them. Instead, the suspect ran westbound down an alley toward 25th Street, prompting a foot pursuit.
As the pursuit continued onto the roadway and toward nearby railroad tracks, one officer could be heard over the radio warning, “Hey, don’t reach into your pocket.” Moments later, another officer said, “He’s got a knife.” Officers gave multiple verbal commands for the suspect to stop and drop the object in his hand, placing him briefly at gunpoint.
At 9:53 p.m., the suspect turned toward the officers and began making threatening statements, including, “I’m going to kill you. I promise you. Don’t come on, I’m gonna kill you.” One officer responded, “I’m not trying to kill you. I was just trying to talk to you.” The suspect continued to taunt the officers, saying, “Don’t drop your goddamn gun,” and, “I’m not dropping shit.”
As the suspect advanced toward one of the officers in an aggressive manner, he shouted, “Come on then,” and continued to ignore commands to stop. Officers pleaded with him to calm down and drop the object, but he continued approaching, saying, “Pull the trigger. I’m not going to jail. Get those lights out of my eyes. Pull the trigger. I’m gonna tell you right now, I’ll make you drop it. I’m gonna kill you. I promise you I will.”
At 9:55 p.m., as the suspect continued to move toward the officers, both fired their issued sidearms. Officers immediately approached and began life-saving measures, performing first aid until EMS arrived. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 10:40 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey.
Investigators later determined the object in the suspect’s hand, originally believed to be a knife, was actually two mechanical pencils.
Per standard protocol, the Texas Rangers were called in to conduct an independent investigation due to the fatal nature of the incident. Both officers involved have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Temple Police Department stated that no further details will be released while the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
