Fort Worth, TX- A suspect involved in a tragic incident in north Fort Worth has passed away after a Tarrant County sheriff’s deputy was shot while attempting to execute three felony arrest warrants. Deputy Todd Tipton engaged in an intense gunfight with the suspect and sustained three gunshot wounds.
The deputy sustained a grazing wound to the back of the head, as well as wounds to an arm and the lower back. Authorities said he was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital and was released within hours.
Amid a tense standoff, Fort Worth police negotiators engaged in conversation with the individual who had barricaded themselves inside a residence on Elinor Street. The incident occurred when deputies arrived to serve arrest warrants, according to Chief Deputy Jennifer Gabbert.
According to Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, SWAT officers in Fort Worth were able to enter the suspect’s home after he made false claims about having hostages. Officers from the SWAT team swiftly entered the residence and engaged in a gunfight with the individual, according to Noakes.
Authorities have not provided any information regarding the circumstances of the suspect’s death, leaving it unclear whether officers were responsible or if the suspect took their own life.
Noakes explained that the SWAT team entered the house due to the suspect’s mention of hostages. He emphasized that if the suspect hadn’t given them reason to believe he would harm or kill someone else, the officers would have continued attempting to negotiate instead of breaching the house.
Tipton is an experienced deputy assigned to a specialized unit that focuses on locating fugitives and carrying out arrest warrants.
Image: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The deputy was released after Waybourn stated, “He’s alert.” He is awake. He is speaking. He is reuniting with his family, and we are quite pleased about it.
The individual in question, whose identity remains undisclosed, was a male in his forties. Gunshots were fired at deputies from inside the home when they approached the residence around noon, as reported by the sheriff’s office.
Law enforcement officials stated that they have reason to believe that the suspect sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire. Waybourn announced that warrants had been issued for charges related to sexual assault, indecency, and unlawful restraint involving a child.
Fort Worth police and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office SWAT officers swiftly arrived at the scene, accompanied by officers from various other North Texas police departments.
Haltom City police announced on social media that officers were currently involved in an ongoing situation with a suspect. Authorities have issued a request for residents to steer clear of the vicinity spanning from 28th Street to Chesser Boyer Road, located just west of Haltom City. Those already present in the area have been advised to remain indoors and take necessary precautions, as per the police.
