At approximately 11:45 p.m. on September 10, 2024, Kennedale police officers were dispatched to a Welfare Check at Alta Landing Apartments, 3100 Joplin Rd, Kennedale. The call was made by a distressed 17-year-old female who threatened to shoot another individual inside the apartment.
Upon arrival, officers observed an elderly woman and a two-year-old child on the balcony. They also heard a disturbance coming from inside the apartment. Concerned for the safety of the elderly woman and child, officers instructed them to exit the apartment to speak with them. As the elderly woman and child were descending a flight of stairs, officers heard a gunshot. The apartment’s front door then opened, revealing the female victim slumped on the floor with a gunshot wound to her back, still holding the child.
While officers attempted to rescue the child and the victim, the suspect fired multiple shots at them from the top of the stairwell with a shotgun, narrowly missing both the victim and the officers. Officers returned fire, but the suspect was not hit and ceased firing. The victim and child were then safely removed, and the door closed as officers took cover. Shortly after, the suspect exited the apartment with raised hands and surrendered.
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Everman City Jail. Charges include Attempted Capital Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Family Member with a Weapon, and three counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer with a Weapon.
The victim was taken to the Medical Center of Arlington and is reported to be in stable condition. As per standard protocol, the officers involved are on paid administrative leave pending an administrative investigation.
Kennedale Chief of Police Mike Holguin commended the officers for their bravery, stating, "Based on the preliminary information gathered at the scene, there is no doubt that the officers placed themselves in harm's way to protect an innocent woman and a child while taking fire from the suspect. Without their swift and courageous actions, there could have been additional victims or a homicide."
The names of the officers and the victim will be released later. The Arlington and Mansfield police departments assisted in the response. The Kennedale Police Department expressed gratitude for their support.
