Posted 2:50 pm Tuesday, January 01, 2013
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Tyler man, 22, killed after reportedly pointing gun at police officers
TylerPaper.com video
By KENNETH DEAN
kdean@tylerpaper.com
A 22-year-old man who reportedly pointed a gun at Tyler police officers shortly after midnight today was shot and killed by an officer.
Don Martin, the department's media spokesperson, said officers responded to the 600 block of Queen Street off of East Gentry Parkway about 12:09 a.m. Upon arriving, Martin said officers heard multiple gunshots. Officers then went to the rear of the home located at 603 Queen, where they witnessed muzzle flashes and shots being fired into the air.
Martin said officers instructed the 22-year-old man to put down his weapon, but instead he ran to the back door of the residence. Martin said officers again commanded the man to stop and drop his weapon, at which time the man reportedly pointed his weapon in the direction of the officers. One officer fired multiple shots at the man, striking him.
It is not immediately clear if the man died at the scene, or if he was transported to a hospital before succumbing. Martin said more details will be forthcoming. The officer is being placed on administrative duties temporarily, as is protocol for an officer-related shooting.
Martin said there are signs of gang affiliation at the home. He added that no officers were injured. Martin said shots fired on New Year's Eve in the Hispanic community is something they deal with each year, but he reminded that firing any firearms in city limits is against the law.
kdean@tylerpaper.com
A 22-year-old man who reportedly pointed a gun at Tyler police officers shortly after midnight today was shot and killed by an officer.
Don Martin, the department's media spokesperson, said officers responded to the 600 block of Queen Street off of East Gentry Parkway about 12:09 a.m. Upon arriving, Martin said officers heard multiple gunshots. Officers then went to the rear of the home located at 603 Queen, where they witnessed muzzle flashes and shots being fired into the air.
Martin said officers instructed the 22-year-old man to put down his weapon, but instead he ran to the back door of the residence. Martin said officers again commanded the man to stop and drop his weapon, at which time the man reportedly pointed his weapon in the direction of the officers. One officer fired multiple shots at the man, striking him.
It is not immediately clear if the man died at the scene, or if he was transported to a hospital before succumbing. Martin said more details will be forthcoming. The officer is being placed on administrative duties temporarily, as is protocol for an officer-related shooting.
Martin said there are signs of gang affiliation at the home. He added that no officers were injured. Martin said shots fired on New Year's Eve in the Hispanic community is something they deal with each year, but he reminded that firing any firearms in city limits is against the law.
