Tragic Shooting Incident in Lewisville Apartment
Update:
This story briefly mentions suicide. Mental health resources can be found at the bottom of this article.
Introduction to the Incident
A woman was found dead inside a Lewisville apartment Thursday morning after a shooting between officers and a wounded gunman spurred an hourslong standoff.
Officers were dispatched shortly after 3 a.m. to a Budget Suites of America in the 2100 block of South State Highway 121, which operates affordable, extended-stay apartments. Lewisville officers, an armored truck, crime scene unit vans and police cars filled the parking lot, and residents could be seen coming out of their rooms and watching as authorities surveyed the area.
Details of the Shooting Incident
According to Tre Mathis, a Lewisville police spokesman, the initial call indicated a man, who was not publicly identified, was threatening to kill himself and people around him. As officers arrived at the residence, the man fired at them with a handgun. Mathis said officers did not have enough time to respond before the man retreated back into the building.
The suspect reappeared moments later and fired again, striking an armored vehicle. Officers then returned fire.
Aftermath of the Shooting
Crime in The News
About 8 a.m., SWAT officers were able to get the suspect to surrender, according to Mathis. He had “gunshot injuries,” but it was not immediately clear whether the wounds were self-inflicted or from the officers’ gunfire.
Inside the residence, investigators found a woman dead of a gunshot wound, he said. Her identity was also not released.
Investigations and Charges
It was not immediately clear whether the man and woman knew one another, how the woman died or what charges the man could face.
No other injuries were reported.
As is “standard procedure,” Mathis said, there will be two investigations into the shooting. The first is an internal, administrative investigation to determine whether the involved officers complied with department policies. The second, an external investigation led by the Texas Rangers, will examine the use of deadly force.
The officers have also been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcomes.
Mental Health Resources
Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are resources available to help.
- The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line: Grant Halliburton Foundation initiative connects North Texans with mental health resources customized to each caller. 972-525-8181 or HereForTexas.com.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour crisis hotline at 800-273-8255. Confidential online chat is available at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
- Crisis Text Line: To get 24-hour support, text “HOME” to 741741. More information at crisistextline.org.
- North Texas Behavioral Health Authority: 24-hour crisis hotline. 866-260-8000 or ntbha.org.
- Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: Speak to a trained counselor on the 24-hour hotline at 214-828-1000, 800-273-8255 or sccenter.org.
Conclusion
The shooting incident in Lewisville is a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need for support and resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to the resources listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the Lewisville apartment?
A: A woman was found dead inside a Lewisville apartment after a shooting between officers and a wounded gunman spurred an hourslong standoff.
Q: Who was the suspect in the shooting?
A: The suspect was a man who was not publicly identified. He was threatening to kill himself and people around him.
Q: What is the status of the investigations?
A: There will be two investigations into the shooting. The first is an internal, administrative investigation to determine whether the involved officers complied with department policies. The second, an external investigation led by the Texas Rangers, will examine the use of deadly force.
Q: What resources are available for mental health support?
A: There are several resources available for mental health support, including the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, and Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.
