On January 30, 2025, a suspect involved in a high-speed chase and standoff with law enforcement in Fort Worth was fatally shot after firing at officers. The incident began at approximately 4:17 p.m. when the Lake Worth Police Department initiated a traffic stop for a violation in the 1700 block of Skyline Drive. The suspect, 35-year-old Nicholas Sides, fled the scene, leading officers on a pursuit that ended when he crashed his vehicle into a backyard near Sansom Park.
Upon exiting the vehicle, Sides fired multiple shots at officers before attempting to flee again. A second pursuit ensued, which ended when Sides ran into a residence on Skyline Drive. Law enforcement set up a perimeter around the home, and the Fort Worth Police Crisis Intervention Team and SWAT were called to the scene. Attempts to negotiate with Sides for several hours were unsuccessful, and he reportedly set off fireworks both inside and outside the residence.
Sides eventually exited the house with a gun to his head and disregarded police commands. After a failed attempt to disarm him using less lethal 40mm rounds, Sides pointed his firearm at officers and fired several shots. In response, a Fort Worth SWAT officer fired one shot, striking Sides in the torso. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
No officers or civilians were injured during the incident. The Fort Worth Police Department's Major Case Unit, Internal Affairs, and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the event. Additionally, the Lake Worth Police Department conducted a separate review of the critical incident. All officers involved have since returned to work after standard debriefs and leave.
