Photo courtesy of Fox 4 News
FORT WORTH, Texas – A lengthy standoff in a Fort Worth neighborhood ended with the death of a suspected gunman who had earlier fired at police officers during a traffic stop.
The incident began around 4 p.m. Thursday when Lake Worth police attempted to pull over a driver, who then opened fire on officers before fleeing the scene. A high-speed pursuit ensued, leading authorities into the 1700 block of Skyline Drive, just outside the River Oaks city limits.
Upon reaching the location, the suspect abandoned his red pickup truck and barricaded himself inside a nearby home. At one point, another individual was inside the residence, but the suspect later released them, according to police.
Lake Worth Police Chief J.T. Manoushagian provided updates via social media, assuring the public that officers were safe while calling for prayers for a peaceful resolution.
During the standoff, aerial footage from SKY 4 captured smoke billowing from the residence after the suspect ignited fireworks, some of which were thrown at responding officers.
The situation escalated at approximately 8:25 p.m. when the suspect emerged from the home with a firearm held to his head. Officers urged him to disarm and deployed “less lethal rounds” in an attempt to subdue him. However, police say the suspect then turned his weapon on officers and opened fire. Law enforcement returned fire, fatally striking him.
No officers were injured during the confrontation. A SWAT team and multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the response.
The Fort Worth Police Department is now leading the investigation. Authorities have yet to disclose the suspect’s identity or confirm which officers discharged their weapons. The suspect’s exact connection to the residence remains unclear.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
