CARROLLTON, TX - A 71-year-old Carrollton man was shot and killed Thursday night after police said he pointed a handgun at officers during a follow-up investigation tied to a reported incident inside a local gym.
According to the Carrollton Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly before 8 p.m., January 22nd, to LA Fitness at 3050 N. Josey Lane after a report that a male had taken inappropriate and unsolicited photographs of a female inside the facility.
The man was identified as William Michael Burns, 71, a Carrollton resident. Police said that after an interaction with gym staff, Burns was asked to leave the business. LA Fitness requested that officers issue Burns a criminal trespass warning.
Officers later went to Burns’ residence to conduct a follow-up investigation. Police said officers approached the front door, identified themselves, and knocked multiple times, but Burns did not initially respond. Officers reported seeing Burns moving inside the home.
Moments later, Burns exited the residence armed with a handgun. Officers issued multiple commands for him to drop the weapon, police said. Instead, Burns pointed the handgun at officers, at which point officers fired their weapons.
Officers immediately attempted life-saving measures, but Burns was pronounced dead at the scene by Carrollton Fire Rescue. No officers were injured during the incident.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit responded and is conducting a joint investigation with the Carrollton Police Department. In accordance with department policy, all involved officers have been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said no additional information will be released at this time.
