A suspect was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a Richland Hills police officer opened fire during a family disturbance Sunday afternoon, according to police.
Officers responded around 2:30 p.m. on August 16 to the 6500 block of Allena Lane for a disturbance involving an adult man and his adult son. North Richland Hills police also assisted with the call.
Police did not initially identify which man was the victim and which was the suspect.
Suspect Allegedly Charged at Officers
According to the Richland Hills Police Department, officers arrived and spoke with the victim outside the residence while the suspect remained inside.
The victim told officers that the suspect had physically assaulted him and that he had been injured. Police said the victim also reported that the suspect was known to be violent and had access to weapons inside the home.
As officers continued gathering information, police said the suspect came outside and began yelling before charging toward officers.
Officers reportedly gave the suspect commands to stop, but police said he ignored them and continued advancing.
An officer then drew and fired a service weapon, striking the suspect.
Police said officers provided medical aid at the scene before the suspect was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He remains in police custody while receiving treatment.
The victim was also treated for injuries at a different hospital, according to police.
Suspect Faces Felony Charges
The suspect had not been publicly identified as of publication. Police said his identity will be released once he is formally charged and appears before a magistrate.
The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect could face a charge of family assault involving bodily injury. Because police said he has a prior conviction, that charge is expected to be a third-degree felony.
He also faces a potential second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
Police have not said whether the suspect was armed when the officer fired.
Texas Rangers Investigating
The Texas Rangers are investigating the officer-involved shooting. The officer who fired the weapon has been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with department policy.
Richland Hills police said detectives are continuing to investigate both the shooting and the original family disturbance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Richland Hills Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 817-616-3789 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by calling 817-469-TIPS.