Watch CBS News

Dallas police officer turns himself in for deadly conduct warrant

CBS News Live
CBS News Texas Live

DALLAS – A Dallas police officer is on administrative leave after turning himself in to Arlington police for an outstanding warrant.

The officer, Jalen Thomas, turned himself in on July 25 on a warrant for deadly conduct, according to the Dallas Police Department. DPD said they were notified of this on August 13.

DPD said the offense happened on July 2, when Thomas was off-duty.

Around 11:20 p.m., Arlington Police officers were called to an apartment complex in the 8200 block of Hornisher Way. A tenant at the complex said they heard what sounded like a gunshot and then found a bullet hole in their bathroom wall. That tenant was not in the bathroom at the time and no injuries were reported.

Officers found that the shot came from the apartment next door, where Thomas resides. He was located in the parking lot outside the building and told officers that he was the one who fired the shot. 

Arlington PD said Thomas told the officers that he was a police officer for another department and had been preparing his gear for work the next day. He said he removed the magazine from his pistol and thought he made it safe; however, when he pulled the trigger, there was still a round in the chamber, and a shot was fired. Afterward, he placed the firearm in his vehicle. 

Thomas' weapon was seized at the time, but he was not taken into custody, pending further investigation.

After further investigation and consulting with the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, a warrant was issued for Thomas' arrest.

Thomas has been with the department since March 2022 and was most recently assigned to the Northwest Patrol Division. 

He will remain on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.