Denton, TX — The Texas Rangers are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a man dead Sunday afternoon at a park in Denton.
According to police, Denton Public Safety Communications received multiple 911 calls around 12:10 p.m. on March 8, 2026, reporting concern for an adult male who appeared intoxicated at pickleball courts located in the 1100 block of Riney Road.
When officers arrived, they found the man on the north side of the courts where he had climbed onto a fence while holding a metal rod. Authorities said the man told officers they would have to kill him and began threatening them with the metal object.
Officers attempted to verbally de-escalate the situation. Police said the man then climbed down from the fence and charged toward officers while still holding the metal rod.
One officer deployed a Taser, which struck the suspect but was ineffective. A second officer then fired multiple shots, striking the man several times.
Officers immediately began providing aid before medics transported the man to a local hospital. He was later pronounced dead.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the man’s identity once next of kin have been notified.
Police said no officers or other residents were injured during the incident.
In accordance with department policy, the officer who fired the shots has been placed on administrative leave while the department’s Internal Affairs unit conducts an administrative review.
The Texas Rangers are handling the criminal investigation into the shooting.
