LACY LAKEVIEW, TX — The Texas Rangers are investigating after a Lacy Lakeview officer-involved shooting Sunday left a man dead.
According to the Lacy Lakeview Police Department, at approximately 9:17 am on February 7, Lacy Lakeview police officer Thomas Beasley was dispatched to 115 Faye Street in response to reports of "a man violently breaking car windows."
Officer Beasley was confronted by a man wielding a hatchet "in an agitated manner" upon arrival, according to Lacy Lakeview Police.
"Officer Beasley made numerous verbal commands for the man to drop the hatchet and to stop coming towards the officer, but the man refused to drop the hatchet or stop and came towards Officer Beasley," police said in a news release.
Police said after the numerous commands to the man failed, officer Beasley discharged his weapon one time.
The man turned and fled while still wielding the hatchet, according to police.
Officer Beasley followed the man for approximately 150 yards before the man collapsed.
The officer immediately started first aide and emergency medical personnel responded.
The man was transported to the hospital where he died.
Lacy Lakeview Police said the Texas Rangers were immediately contacted and asked to conduct an independent external investigation while Lacy Lakeview Police Department (LLPD) is conducting an internal investigation.
Per LLPD’s policy, Officer Beasley has been placed on administrative leave.
LLPD said they have pledged its full cooperation to the Texas Rangers.
"One of our Officers was involved in a fatal shooting this morning and our deepest condolences are with the deceased’s family and friends," the police statement said. "Even though the family has been notified, out of respect and for their privacy we are not releasing the man’s name."
