UNT Police Shoot, Kill Ax-Wielding Man ID'ed As UNT Student
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DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) - A University of North Texas police officer shot and killed a man accused of smashing windows with an ax inside a Denton parking garage early Sunday.
The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Ryan McMillan, a UNT student from Fort Worth. The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. near the corner of Fry Street and Oak Street close to the U Centre Apartments. Records indicate McMillan turned 21 on Saturday.
"This is a tragic day for our university family," UNT President Neal Smatresk said in a statement. "We offer our condolences to the individuals, their families and all involved."
UNT officers initially responded to the call, because Denton Police were busy with other calls, investigators said. When the UNT officer arrived, he found the man in the parking garage with an ax in his hand. School officials say the man advanced toward the officer.
The officer opened fire, striking the man as many as four or five times, according to witnesses interviewed by the North Texas Daily newspaper.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital but later died.
Since the shooting was officer-involved, the Texas Rangers have been brought in to assist in the investigation, officials said.
"The officer will be placed on administrative duty, pending the outcome of the investigation," Smatresk said in his statement. "According to UNT Police Chief Ed Reynolds, our police department is cooperating fully in the investigations being conducted by the Texas Rangers and the Denton Police Department."
Smatresk noted free counseling services are available to students through the UNT Counseling and Testing center. On-call counselors are already on hand at 940-565-3003. Starting Monday, counselors will be available for walk-ins in Chestnut Hall Room 311. The statement said UNT employees can take advantage of free, short-term counseling through the university's Employee Assistance Program.
Goolsby Chapel will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for reflection, according to Smatresk's statement.
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