DESOTO, Texas - A 20-year-old Cedar Hill man is facing multiple charges after a ShotSpotter alert led DeSoto police officers to an armed suspect accused of firing multiple gunshots near an apartment complex and within a weapons-free zone early Monday morning.
At approximately 1:45 a.m. on July 27, officers assigned to the Charlie Shift responded after the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system reported suspected gunfire in the 1200 block of East Pleasant Run Road.
Police said the gunfire was detected within 300 feet of a school campus.
When officers arrived, witnesses reported seeing a man fire multiple rounds near Building 15 before fleeing the area on foot. Witnesses provided a detailed description of the suspect, and officers recovered spent 9mm shell casings where the ShotSpotter system indicated the shots had been fired.
Officers searched the apartment complex and surrounding neighborhood before locating a man in the 1000 block of Cottonwood Drive whose clothing matched the witnesses' description.
The suspect was identified as Brandon Jayveon Walker, 20, of Cedar Hill.
During the investigation, officers recovered a stolen 9mm handgun from Walker's waistband. Police said witnesses positively identified Walker as the person they saw firing the weapon.
Investigators also said Walker initially provided officers with a false identity before his true identity was confirmed using identification found in his possession.
Walker was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in a weapons-free zone, theft of a firearm, deadly conduct and failure to identify by intentionally providing false information to a peace officer.
"This case highlights the importance of technology, community cooperation and proactive police work," DeSoto Police Chief Joseph Costa said in a statement. "The ShotSpotter alert enabled officers to respond quickly, witnesses provided valuable information, and our officers' diligent investigation led to the arrest of an armed suspect and the recovery of a stolen firearm."
Police said no additional information is being released as the investigation continues. Officials also thanked community members who assisted officers during the investigation and encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity.
The investigation remains ongoing.
