News Briefs • Officer-involved shooting investigation

ABILENE, TX – On Monday, May 6, 2024, at approximately 2 p.m., police were called to the United Supermarket at 920 North Willis. Store employees called to report a male perpetrator threatening employees and customers with a bladed weapon. A cashier also stated that the man demanded money from the register.

The man eventually left the store and employees locked the door to prevent the man from re-entering and to ensure the safety of employees and customers.

Officers arrived and found the man outside the store still holding the gun. The perpetrator did not comply with several requests from the officers to hand over his weapon. An officer used a Taser, but it had no effect on the man. The officers shot and struck the suspect.

The man was pronounced deceased by a justice of the peace. Two officers will be placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. The incident is being investigated concurrently with the Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers.

The suspect’s name will be released pending notification of next of kin. No other injuries were reported.

Respectful

Rick Tomlin

Public Information Coordinator