Police has reported that around 1:40 p.m. in Mesquite, Texas, a man displayed a gun and had a shootout with a Mesquite police officer. The police died Friday afternoon after being fatally wounded in the shootout. The shooting stemmed from a disturbance outside Albertsons store parking.
The officer was called to a report of a disturbance involving two women, said Mesquite Police Capt. Stephen Biggs. At some point a man pulled a gun, leading to a shootout with the officer, Gill said. The officer was struck twice. The man police accused in the shooting was last listed in critical condition with one gunshot wound. His name has not yet been made public.
The officer and the suspect were taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. The officer later died from his injuries. Witnesses told the media that they heard around four to six gunshots. The area is normally a safe.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson was among the North Texans sharing their condolences on social media. “My heart goes out to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues with @MesquitePD_TX. The people of Dallas mourn with you,” he wrote. “Praying and mourning alongside our brothers and sisters from @MesquitePD_TX,” Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia wrote. “The @DallasPD also wears your patch today, and for as long as you need our assistance.””This was a senseless act of violence that ripped a loving husband and father from his family,” a clearly emotional Mesquite Police Chief David Gill said in announcing the officer’s death. “He was a 21-year-veteran of the Mesquite Police Department. He was a good man, a good friend, a good officer. Please keep his family and our family in your prayers.”
Albertson’s made a statement that their thoughts go out to “those involved and with their families” and confirmed they are cooperating with law enforcement’s ongoing investigation.
