FORT WORTH, Texas - A man wanted on a felony warrant related to a child sexual assault case was fatally shot by Fort Worth police Saturday night after officers said he displayed what they believed was a handgun during a traffic stop following a brief pursuit.
The officer-involved shooting occurred on July 25 after members of the Fort Worth Police Department's Directed Response Unit were conducting an investigation into a suspect wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for tampering with an electronic monitoring device, commonly known as an ankle monitor.
According to Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia, the suspect's original offense was sexual assault of a minor.
At approximately 8 p.m., officers located the suspect traveling in a vehicle near Interstate 35 and Risinger Road. Officers activated their emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect fled, leading police on a short pursuit.
The pursuit ended when the suspect drove into the parking lot of the M&M Inn & Suites in the 100 block of Palette Drive.
Police said the vehicle came to a stop, and officers approached while issuing verbal commands to the driver. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly produced what officers believed to be a handgun.
Multiple officers then fired their weapons, striking the suspect.
Officers immediately began providing medical aid with assistance from the Fort Worth Fire Department, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
After securing the scene, officers conducted a safety sweep of the vehicle and recovered a firearm inside.
Authorities said the suspect was the only occupant of the vehicle. No officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.
The Fort Worth Police Department's Major Case Unit is leading the investigation and is working to determine the circumstances that led to the pursuit and shooting.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office will release the identity of the deceased after notification of next of kin and will determine the official cause and manner of death.
The investigation remains active.
