MESQUITE, Texas – A man wanted in connection with a murder was killed during an officer-involved shooting after an armed confrontation with police near a Mesquite shopping mall, authorities said.
High-risk stop near Town East Mall
What we know:
Dallas police said officers were investigating a shooting earlier Saturday at an apartment complex near Interstate 635 and Greenville Avenue, where a woman was shot and later died at a hospital. Police said the suspect fled the scene.
At about 11:45 a.m., officers conducting surveillance spotted the suspect near Town East Mall. When the suspect entered a vehicle, officers initiated what Mesquite police described as a high-risk traffic stop on the east service road of Interstate 635 near the mall.
Dallas Police Executive Assistant Chief Jesse Reyes said the suspect exited the vehicle armed, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“Our officers are doing well, and the suspect, unfortunately, is deceased,” Reyes said.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as 32-year-old Gerald Frank Martin. No officers were injured, police said.
Shoppers shaken
Local perspective:
The shooting occurred as shoppers were making last-minute holiday purchases just days before Christmas, prompting concern among people inside and around the mall.
Several shoppers said they were shaken after learning gunfire had erupted nearby.
“It’s really sad, especially around this time of the holidays,” said Lisa Arie, a shopper. “That’s someone’s family member, so it’s very devastating.”
Another shopper, Preston Colombrito, said incidents like this heighten anxiety in crowded public spaces.
“Really can’t go anywhere anymore without something going on,” he said.
Road closures and investigation
Dig deeper:
Mesquite police confirmed the east service road of Interstate 635 between Towne Centre Drive and Town East Boulevard was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene.
Dallas police declined to answer reporters’ questions at a news conference Saturday, including why the suspect was confronted near a busy shopping area. Police also released few details about the initial homicide that led to the suspect being located.
What’s next:
The Mesquite Police Department will investigate the officer-involved shooting because it occurred within city limits. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office will also conduct an independent review.
Neither the suspect nor the woman killed in the initial shooting has been identified.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by Mesquite Police Department.
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