The Mesquite Police Department has issued a community briefing to provide information regarding an officer-involved shooting that transpired on the morning of December 14th, 2023. The incident involves a stolen silver Hyundai sedan, a Chrysler sedan, and an officer on routine patrol.
According to the Mesquite Police Department, at approximately 2:57 a.m., an officer observed both vehicles, the silver Hyundai and the Chrysler, in the 7-Eleven parking lot at E. Cartwright Road and Faithon P. Lucas Sr Blvd. The officer had previously seen these vehicles at the same location and approached the stolen Hyundai, finding it unoccupied.
Upon investigating further, it was revealed that the Hyundai had been reported stolen at around 2:59 a.m. from a residence near Clay Mathis Drive and Edwards Church Road. Video footage from the theft scene showed a suspect arriving in a dark-colored Chrysler, dropping off an individual who then interacted with the stolen Hyundai's driver.
The Mesquite officer, while providing suspect descriptions to dispatch, encountered two individuals exiting the 7-Eleven, the front passenger from the Chrysler and the suspect from the stolen Hyundai. The officer issued commands to get on the ground, but the front passenger fled on foot, followed by the suspect from the stolen Hyundai.
Despite multiple commands to stop and turn off the vehicle, the driver of the Chrysler sedan continued to move. After a series of commands, the officer fired three rounds, striking the driver. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and the three remaining occupants were detained.
Life-saving measures were initiated immediately, but the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased driver was identified as 19-year-old Payton Lawrence, who had an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
During the subsequent search of the vehicle, officers discovered multiple firearms, including a 45 caliber Llama handgun, a 7.62 Mini Draco, a 40 caliber AR pistol, and a 45 caliber Springfield XDS.
The Mesquite Police Department is currently in the early stages of this inquiry. The involved officer, a 17-year veteran, fired three rounds from a Glock 9mm handgun. The investigation will be referred to the Dallas County District Attorney's office for review, in adherence to standard protocol.
The Mesquite Police Department appreciates the community's understanding and assures a comprehensive examination of the incident, with ongoing interviews of witnesses and forensic tests. Internal affairs will also conduct an investigation to evaluate whether the officer's actions align with department policy and procedures.
