Police Identify Suspect Killed in Officer Involved Shooting

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department has identified the suspect who was killed by police officers after they allege he attacked them with a knife. At the time of the incident, the suspect had no identification.

According to KTXS, Lebarron Ballard was shot by the police officers after they attempted to arrest him. The 28-year-old was first tased by the officers, but his clothing prevented him from feeling the effect of the discharge. He then produced a knife and attacked the officers, causing them significant injuries.

In a press conference Wednesday, Chief Standridge stated the officers responded to a call at a local convenience store where the clerk described the suspect that had stolen a can of beer from the store. The suspect was spotted and ran away from the officers, and a chase ensued. The chase ended in the backyard of a home, where the shooting occurred.

The officers and Ballard were taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries. Ballard was pronounced dead and the officers were discharged from the hospital after receiving medical care. The two APD officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave as they await the culmination of the investigation conducted by the Texas Rangers and the APD. The officers are recovering from the injuries they sustained during the attack.