DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police have released preliminary details surrounding a fatal Dallas SWAT officer-involved shooting that occurred during the execution of a narcotics search warrant, marking the department’s fourth such incident of the year.
Dallas Police SWAT officers responded at approximately 10:05 a.m. to the 1000 block of Shaw Street to assist the Lewisville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration in serving a search warrant tied to a narcotics investigation.
According to the preliminary investigation, multiple SWAT teams were deployed to clear structures on the property, which included a single-story residence and a detached two-story building behind it. As officers advanced toward the second floor of the detached structure, two flash-bang devices were deployed after officers encountered two dogs, allowing the team to continue their approach.
Police said officers announced their presence before 26-year-old Matthew Leija opened a door holding a firearm and pointed it toward officers. Officer Elias Wells fired multiple rounds from a rifle, striking Leija. Authorities said Leija dropped the weapon and fell to the ground.
A SWAT team physician immediately attempted life-saving measures, but Leija was pronounced dead at 10:23 a.m.
Investigators recovered multiple firearms and narcotics from the residence. Several individuals inside the single-story home, identified as family members of the suspect, were detained and interviewed by federal agents. Officers also located two infant children inside the second-story structure; both were unharmed and later released to their mother after Child Protective Services responded.
The Dallas Police Department said body-worn camera footage is being released to provide transparency regarding the incident.
The shooting is under investigation by the department’s Special Investigations Unit, which reviews all officer-involved shootings. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent investigation, and the Office of Community Police Oversight has been notified.
Officials emphasized the investigation remains active and that details may change as forensic evidence, witness statements, and additional video are reviewed.
