Abilene Police Shoot Armed Suspect with Toddler & Drugs in Car

ABILENE, TX – An officer-involved shooting on Sunday night left a father hospitalized after reached for a handgun in his waistband while a 2-year-old child was in his vehicle.  

According to the Abilene Police Department, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., officers with the APD were dispatched to the 3500 block of N. 9th after a neighbor called requesting a check of a residence. They were concerned that there was a window broken.

Upon arrival, officers approached a vehicle that was in the driveway of the home, but no one was in the vehicle at the time. They noticed what appeared to be illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Seeing there was no active burglary, officers began to formulate a plan to address the illegal narcotics.

While formulating the plan, officers observed a male approach the driver’s side of the vehicle. One officer made verbal contact with the individual, identifying himself as a police officer. The male was ordered to show his hands. He instead reached towards the back of his waistline and retrieved a handgun. The officer fired at the male striking him at least once in the torso area.

Officers determined that a child was in the vehicle during this incident. The unharmed child was quickly removed from the area and reunited with family.

Officers on scene then began to provide medical aid. The suspect was transported to the hospital and is listed in critical condition with a gunshot wound.

In accordance with administrative policies, the officers involved have been placed on Administrative leave. The incident is being investigated concurrently with the Department of Public Safety – Texas Rangers.

A Local Abilene Station that was on scene Sunday night stated that witnesses claim the man was carrying the child. They also reported that the to neighbors the man did not seem threatening. There were two children involved; the 2-year-old who was being carried by the man and a 10-year-old who was inside the home.