September 5, 2015. Sheriff’s Press Release

SEPTEMBER 5, 2015.

PRESS RELEASE

Parker County Sheriff’s deputies were involved in a shooting incident stemming from a man repeatedly calling the Sheriff’s Telecommunications Center.

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said the incident began around 10:30 p.m., Friday Sept. 4, 2015, in the 100 block of Couch Court, in Northern Parker County.

A 36-year-old irate male suspect began calling 9-1-1, belligerently demanding to speak to deputies for unknown reasons and hanging up. The suspect made it known to dispatchers that he was in possession of a firearm.

With deputies on scene, dispatchers repeatedly asked the suspect the peacefully exit the residence with his hands up.

The suspect then began threatening the life of the “first cop I see,” refusing to disarm himself. The suspect continued to speak incoherently and was verbally abusive to telecommunicators throughout several calls, making demands before ceasing all contact with Sheriff’s Office personnel.

The suspect exited the home and charged toward deputies.

The suspect was ordered to the ground, but continued to advance toward deputies while firing an AR15 rifle at the deputies five times.

Sheriff’s deputies returned fire, striking the suspect in the neck.

Sheriff’s deputies immediately secured the scene and called for paramedics. The suspect died at the scene.

“This incident is a tragedy,” said Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler. “Any time we have an officer-involved shooting incident, we request the Texas Rangers to conduct an investigation.”

The suspect is not being identified at this time until the next-of-kin can be notified.

No further comments will be made regarding the incident pending the ongoing investigation.