Traffic stop turned police chase ends in fatal shooting outside a Lake Worth Walmart, police say
The Texas Rangers are investigating after a traffic stop turned police chase ended in a deadly shooting Friday outside of a Lake Worth Walmart, police said.
It happened around 7:30 p.m. after Lake Worth Police did a traffic stop on a vehicle.
Lake Worth PD said in a post to X, "Four LWPD Officers have been involved in an OIS near Jacksboro Hwy and Paul Meador Dr. following a vehicle pursuit with a wanted suspect. Suspect deceased. No officers were injured. Texas Rangers will lead the investigation. Please avoid the area."
In a press release Friday night, police said that officers initiated a traffic stop on a red Ford Ranger in the 6000 block of Lake Worth Blvd. around 6:56 p.m. The driver of the truck, a 56-year-old male, had "an active probation revocation warrant for solicitation of prostitution."
The suspect fled from the stop, and a slow-speed chase ensued. The suspect caused damaged to his truck, causing him to stop behind the Walmart at 6360 Lake Worth Blvd.
Police say that's when the suspect exited the vehicle, "took a shooting stance, and pointed what appeared to be a weapon towards officers." Four Lake Worth police officers opened fire, striking the suspect. Officers rendered CPR until paramedics arrived on the scene and pronounced the suspect as deceased.
Chief Manoushagian told CBS News Texas Friday night that they have not determined if the object the suspect had was a weapon.
Several Tarrant County deputies are on scene assisting, per Public Information Officer Robbie Hoy. Crime scene units will be assisting in gathering evidence at the location, he said.
The Texas Rangers have been asked to conduct an independent investigation and to present their findings to the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office. The Lake Worth Police Department said they will also be conducting "a separate but parallel administrative investigation, which will examine department policy and procedure."
Investigators ask that anyone who witnessed the incident contact detectives at LWCID@lakeworthtx.org or by calling (817) 237-1224.