Police Officer Shoots & Kills Suspect In South Dallas
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - As of 4:53 p.m., police remain at the scene of a deadly officer involved shooting in South Dallas.
The incident happened in the 3600 block of Penelope Street.
The unidentified suspect, who officers also used tasers on, was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. All of the officers involved are okay.
At an afternoon press conference, Dallas Police Department Chief David Brown explained that officers responded to a robbery in progress and it was indicated to them the suspect might be harmed. Brown said there were subsequent calls reporting a fire at the same location. Several fire engines, with hoses deployed, could be seen from Chopper 11.
According to police, when officers and Dallas Fire Rescue arrived at the scene the suspect was in a vacant lot across from the house on fire. Brown said a struggle ensued after police approached the man for identification and he did not obey verbal commands to show his hands. At some point during the fight the suspect is said to have thrown personal items at the officers.
Police backup was called to the scene and more than one officer hit the suspect with tasers. Brown said the tasers made contact with the man, but had no effect and he kept fighting. Authorities say the suspect was able to get inside a vehicle, where the fight with officers continued and one officer discharged his weapon.
Paramedics with DFR were already on the scene and transported the suspect to the hospital. Police say the man, who has an extensive criminal history involving violnet crime and drug possession, was armed with a box cutter.
Earlier in the afternoon, there were varying witness accounts from the scene. Some people insist the victim was not armed, but was behaving erratically. Others say the man was on drugs and actually started the fire. The victim is said to have approached the homeowner and demand that he "get on his knees" before starting the blaze.
Police have not yet made contact with the family of the deceased suspect, so his name will not be released until then. The officer who fired his gun has been placed on routine administrative leave. Brown said his name will be released at the same time as the suspect.
Officials say Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit detectives are on scene and in the process of an active investigation.
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