LACY LAKEVIEW, Texas — The Lacy Lakeview Police Department said that a hatchet-wielding man who was shot by a police officer Sunday morning has died in the hospital from the gunshot injuries.
The shooing happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. Feb. 7 in the 100 block of Faye Street, Lacy Lakeview Police Chief John Truehitt confirmed. The department said in an evening press release that officer Thomas Beasley was sent to the address in response to a man breaking car windows.
Upon the officer's arrival, the department said he was confronted with a hatchet-wielding man in an "agitated manner." Beasley reportedly commanded that the man drop the hatchet and stop walking toward him, but the man did listen to either command. The officer then fired one shot that hit the man, according to the department.
A witness at the scene who asked not to be identified, told 6 News the man was advancing on the officer before the shot was fired.
"He kept coming towards the officer and the officer was backing up telling him 'Put the axe down, put the axe down,' ten times. He wouldn't do it," the witness said. "When that guy came up with the axe to hit the officer that's when the officer shot. It's just a sad thing."
After the shot was fired, the man proceeded to turn and flee while still holding the hatchet, police said. The officer followed the man for 150 yards until the man collapsed, per the release. Officer Beasley started first aid, during which emergency medical personnel responded. The witness said they treated the man until the ambulance got there.
"When we went around there they were doing CPR on him...for a good five minutes or whatever. And when the ambulance got there I guess they took over," the witness said.
The man was taken to the hospital, where he subsequently died, according to police.
The Texas Rangers are investigating the incident while the Lacy Lakeview Police Department conducts a separate, internal investigation.
Officer Beasley has been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with department policy, the department said.
This story is developing and will be updated as information becomes available. Check back for updates.
