TEMPLE, Texas — A 23-year-old man is dead after barricading himself inside a home at the Santa Fe Trail Mobile Home Community on Tuesday, Jan. 30, according to the Temple Police Department.
Temple PD told 6 News that around 1:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. 9th Street for a male who was threatening to commit suicide. Before officers could arrive, Temple PD said the man left the home with a handgun.
According to police, when officers arrived, the man pointed the gun at them and then barricaded himself inside a mobile home.
Temple PD said officers evacuated nearby homes around the location and established a perimeter to contain the man. Temple Fire and Rescue and Temple EMS were also reportedly on scene to assist if needed.
Temple PD said they established phone communication with the man, who continually refused to put the gun down and leave the home.
Police stated that around 2:36 p.m., after several negotiation attempts, the man pointed the gun at a drone outside the home and then at an officer through an open window.
The officer then reportedly shot and killed the man, according to Temple PD.
Officers then entered the residence, said Temple PD, to provide aid to the 23-year-old man. The man was reportedly pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m.
The Temple Police Department stated they called in the Texas Rangers to investigate the officer-involved shooting.
The officer involved in the incident has been placed on administrative leave with pay as a matter of standard practice, said Temple PD. An internal affairs investigation has reportedly been ordered as well.
The case is under investigation, according to Temple PD. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477 or bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
Resources on suicide prevention and mental health are available through the Texas Health and Human Services website.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
A full list of mental health resources in Texas can be found at this link.
Stay with 6 News as this story develops.