On December 13, 2024, at approximately 10:39 a.m., DeSoto police responded to a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Dr. The initial caller, identified as 26-year-old Arthur Lee Armstrong, Jr., claimed to have “several” weapons and expressed intentions to harm police. A second caller confirmed Armstrong's presence at the location with other residents and reported he was armed with a knife.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Armstrong in the front yard of the residence, wielding a knife in each hand. Despite repeated commands to stop and drop the weapons, Armstrong aggressively advanced toward the officers. One officer fired a single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest. Officers disarmed Armstrong and rendered lifesaving aid before DeSoto EMS transported him to Central Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The Grand Prairie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation at the request of the DeSoto Police Department. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit has also initiated an independent investigation. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy while the investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have assured the public of a thorough review of the incident and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
