Coleman Police Shoot a Dangerous Sword-Wielding Suspect on a Bicycle

COLEMAN – The Coleman Police Department has arrested a man after he threatened them with a sword while riding a bicycle.

In information released by the City of Coleman, on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, officers with the Coleman Police Department responded to the corner of West Mesquite and South Nueces Street at 10 a.m. regarding a person on a bicycle who was threatening others with a sword.

After making contact with the suspect, identified as Santos Mendoza III, the suspect charged at the officer with the sword, according to an initial statement from the Texas Rangers. The officer fired at the suspect with his service handgun and Mendoza was hit. He was transported to the Coleman County Medical Center for treatment. Rangers reported that 50-year-old Mendoza suffered a "minor" injury.

Mendoza has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.

This officer involved shooting is currently under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers at the request of Coleman PD. The officer, who is unnamed, was placed on administrative leave in accordance with standard procedure pending the outcome of the investigation.

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This story was updated with more information provided to us by the Texas DPS at 8:40 p.m. this evening.