The Mesquite Police Department released a critical incident community briefing to provide details about an officer-involved shooting that took place on August 11, 2023. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of West Scyene Road and Gross Road, involved a 16-year-old juvenile male from Mesquite.
According to the information provided by the police, the events unfolded at approximately 8:46 pm when a Mesquite Police Officer was conducting traffic monitoring in the vicinity of West Scyene Road and Gross Road. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a silver Honda Pilot that was traveling westbound on West Scyene Road. However, the driver of the suspect vehicle failed to comply with the officer's commands and instead fled the scene, prompting a pursuit.
The pursuit continued, with the suspect vehicle maneuvering through traffic at high speeds. As the chase reached the intersection of 635, the suspect's vehicle collided with a grey Ford Explorer. Despite the collision, the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, swerving between vehicles and eventually turning south onto Rodeo Center Blvd. During this phase of the pursuit, speeds reportedly reached up to 100 mph.
The chase took a dramatic turn as the suspect vehicle made a westward turn onto Sandy Ln, where it struck a roadside sign while negotiating the corner. The suspect then entered a residential neighborhood turning left on Daffodil Dr, where the situation escalated further. Upon turning onto Carnation Dr, the suspect's vehicle collided with a parked car, finally coming to a stop. The driver, later identified as the 16-year-old male, exited the vehicle.
The Mesquite Police Officer, who had also exited his patrol vehicle, immediately began issuing loud verbal commands to the suspect, instructing him to get on the ground. Despite repeated commands, the suspect did not comply with the officer's orders and instead made movements towards the front seat area of his own vehicle.
The officer continued to demand compliance, issuing a total of 9 verbal warnings to the suspect. As the situation intensified, the suspect unlocked the rear driver's side door and proceeded to reach inside the vehicle. Fearing for his safety and believing that the suspect was reaching for a weapon, the officer discharged his firearm, firing 5 rounds at the suspect. The shots struck the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground.
Upon the arrival of backup units, officers attempted to administer life-saving measures to the wounded suspect. The suspect was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Inside the suspect vehicle, law enforcement officers discovered a .45 caliber handgun with three rounds in the magazine. The identity of the deceased juvenile male has been confirmed as a resident of Mesquite. The officer involved in the shooting is a 14-year veteran of the Mesquite Police Department.
The incident continues to be under investigation.
