RICHLAND HILLS, Texas - The Texas Rangers are investigating after a Richland Hills police officer shot and wounded a man who allegedly charged toward officers during a response to a family violence incident Sunday afternoon.
The incident began at approximately 2:32 p.m. on Aug. 16 in the 6500 block of Allena Lane in Richland Hills.
Richland Hills Police officers, assisted by the North Richland Hills Police Department, responded to a reported family disturbance involving an adult man and his adult son.
When officers arrived, they began speaking with the alleged victim outside the residence while the suspect remained inside.
According to police, officers were told that physical violence had occurred and that the victim had been injured during an assault. They also received information that the suspect was known to be violent and had access to weapons inside the home.
Police Say Suspect Charged Toward Officers
While officers were gathering information from the victim, police said the suspect came out of the residence and began yelling and charging toward officers.
Officers repeatedly ordered the man to stop, but he allegedly ignored their commands and continued advancing.
A Richland Hills police officer then discharged a firearm, striking the suspect.
Richland Hills Fire Department personnel provided medical aid before the man was transported by the Fort Worth Fire Department to an area hospital.
Police said his injuries were not life-threatening, and he remained in police custody while receiving treatment.
The victim in the original family disturbance was also transported to a separate hospital with non-life-threatening injuries allegedly sustained during the assault.
No police officers were injured.
Texas Rangers Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting
The Texas Rangers responded and have taken responsibility for investigating the officer-involved shooting.
The Richland Hills officer who fired the weapon has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy.
Meanwhile, Richland Hills Police detectives are conducting a separate investigation into the family disturbance that brought officers to the residence.
Police said their preliminary investigation indicates the suspect committed family violence assault causing bodily injury. Because the suspect has a prior conviction, authorities said the pending charge would be a third-degree felony.
The suspect also faces a pending charge of aggravated assault on a peace officer, a second-degree felony.
Police have not released the man's identity and said his name will be withheld until he has been formally charged and magistrated by a judge.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Richland Hills Police detectives at 817-616-3789 or CID@richlandhills.com. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.
