Tyler police investigating shooting on West Gentry Parkway

Published 2:00 pm Sunday, March 25, 2018

At least two people were injured by gunfire that erupted in the parking lot of businesses on West Gentry Parkway early Sunday and one of the weapons discharged was from an off-duty sheriff’s deputy working security. 

Police received several 9-1-1 calls shortly after 2:15 a.m. about shots being fired in the 1900 block of West Gentry Parkway, according to a Tyler Police Department news release. 

When officers arrived, they encountered a large crowd of people in the parking lots of the Whataburger and AutoZone and were met by two off-duty Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were working security at the Whataburger.

The deputies told officers they heard several gunshots coming from the AutoZone parking lot, and when they responded they identified a vehicle that was occupied and had been involved with the shooting.

A second round of gunfire erupted that involved a Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy, according to the news release. The release said the details of what occurred are still being investigated. The deputies were not struck by gunfire and their names are not being released at this time.

A 22-year-old man was injured in the shooting and was taken to a local hospital for treatment with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police. 

The police department subsequently received a call about 6 a.m. from a local hospital about another gunshot victim seeking treatment for injuries that were not life-threatening. Police believe this victim was involved in the original shooting at West Gentry Parkway.