Fort Worth Police Release Video of Officer-Involved Shooting

Fort Worth Police Release Video of Officer-Involved Shooting

Fort Worth, Texas – Police Chief Eddie Garcia on Wednesday released body camera footage and details regarding a shooting incident that occurred last week. The incident involved an armed man, Alejandro Serrano, who fired approximately 30 rounds in a neighborhood before being shot by an officer. The video and information were shared to provide transparency into the event that endangered both the community and law enforcement.

Confrontation and Officer’s Response

According to Chief Garcia, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call on a Wednesday afternoon. While investigating, they encountered Alejandro Serrano, who was unrelated to the initial call. Serrano ignored multiple commands from the officer to drop his weapon. Instead, he continued to advance towards the officer and began to raise his handgun. The officer then fired his weapon multiple times, striking Serrano.

“Multiple commands to drop the weapon. Serrano ignored the officer’s commands, continued walking towards the officer, and began to raise his gun. The officer fired his gun multiple times, hitting Serrano multiple times.”

Immediate Aftermath and Medical Aid

Following the shooting, officers immediately provided medical aid to Serrano until the Fort Worth Fire Department arrived. Serrano was then transported to a local hospital for continued medical care. He remains in police custody and is currently listed in stable condition.

Suspect’s Actions and Charges

Detectives discovered two handguns on Serrano’s person, one of which was reported stolen. He has since been charged with aggravated assault of a public servant and deadly conduct. The police chief emphasized the danger posed by Serrano’s actions, noting that he fired approximately 30 rounds into the neighborhood. This indiscriminate gunfire put many lives at risk.

Officer’s Background and Investigation Status

The officer involved in the shooting has been with the Fort Worth Police Department for four years and is assigned to the Northwest Patrol. As is standard procedure in critical incidents, the officer has been placed on critical incident leave. The Major Case Unit is continuing the investigation, working closely with internal affairs and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office to ensure a thorough review.

Prior Interactions and Mental Health History

During the press conference, it was revealed that Serrano was known to law enforcement and had prior interactions with the department. Community members also identified him as someone who had been a nuisance in the past. Chief Garcia confirmed that Serrano has a history of mental health issues.

Handcuffing Protocol and Safety Concerns

Questions arose regarding the sequence of events after the shooting, specifically why Serrano was handcuffed before receiving medical aid. Chief Garcia explained that officer safety and community security are paramount. In this case, Serrano was found to have a second, holstered firearm on his person. This discovery underscored the necessity of securing the suspect before administering medical aid. Giving medical attention to an unsecured individual who has demonstrated a propensity for violence is not considered safe practice.

“So, for us, it’s immediate in our terms because we have to ensure that our officers are safe, the rest of the community is safe. And in this case, precisely was the reason why you handcuff first because this individual, the firearm he shot was not the only firearm that was on his person, which is the reason why he was taken into custody before medical aid is able to be given.”

Broader Implications and Community Safety

Chief Garcia used the incident to highlight the dangers police officers face daily and the broader threat of illegal gunfire in communities. He urged residents to report any instances of gunfire immediately, explaining that such calls help officers respond quickly, prevent further violence, and enhance neighborhood safety. “Injury or loss of life is never our intended outcome,” Garcia stated, emphasizing that the outcome was a direct result of Serrano’s actions.

Looking Ahead

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Future updates will likely focus on the findings of the internal affairs review and any potential departmental policy considerations. The release of the officer’s name will follow established procedures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by law enforcement and the critical importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety.

Source: WATCH: Texas police release video of shooting involving armed man (YouTube)