Midlothian Police involved in pursuit, shooting

MIDLOTHIAN – Midlothian Police were involved in a multi-city pursuit and shooting early Friday morning at around 2:43 a.m. when the Northern Ellis Emergency Dispatch was notified of a pursuit involving officers from the City of Dalworthington Gardens and the Town of Pantego. 

When the pursuit entered Midlothian, officers there assisted the officer involved in the pursuit by deploying spikes on the suspect’s vehicle heading southbound on State Highway 67. 

A press release indicated Midlothian officers were at the scene at the termination of the pursuit in the 100 block of E. Ridgeway Street in Midlothian. 

Responding officers were also fired on at the end of the pursuit by the armed suspect.

Officers from all three agencies then returned fire, striking and killing the suspect. 

There was no officer injured in the altercation.

Midlothian Assistant Police Chief Scott Brown said that while he was unable to speak specifically to the incident since the investigation is ongoing.

“When an officer has to use deadly force it is tragic for all parties involved; the officers, the suspect’s family and the whole community.”

Brown said, “I hate that this incident happened in our community, but I am pleased that the officers involved were able to protect the citizens of Midlothian and prevent anyone here from being hurt or victimized.”

Only one of the officers who used deadly force was from Midlothian. 

Per policy, that officer has been placed on administrative leave.

“Once we are confident his actions were within the scope of our policy and we feel he is ready – both physically and emotionally to do so – he will return to service.”

The Department of Public Safety – Texas Rangers will be conducting a criminal investigation into the actions of all officers involved. 

Since the incident began from a Dalworthington Gardens investigation, all inquiries regarding the original offense and the suspect’s identification are being referred to that agency.