Man shot to death by SWAT officer in standoff with Bedford, Hurst police
A man was killed when he was shot by a SWAT officer Wednesday during a standoff with Bedford and Hurst police, authorities said in a news release.
At around 2 p.m. Wednesday, Bedford police received a notification that a stolen vehicle’s license plate was picked up by Flock cameras. Officers found the vehicle and the driver, who was in a local business, police said.
Officers attempted to approach the suspect, who immediately fled from the scene carrying a gun, Bedford police said in the release.
The suspect stopped in the 2200 block of Central Drive, where he was “conveying suicidal thoughts to officers,” according to the release.
For several hours, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and persuade the man to put his weapon down, police said. Negotiations were unsuccessful and officers attempted to use “non-lethal methods” to apprehend him.
During the deployment of non-lethal methods, the suspect attempted to escape, when officers perceived a threat and a Hurst police officer with the Northeast Tarrant County SWAT team shot him, according to police.
The man died while being transported to a hospital, police say.The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him as 45-year-old Joshua Keith Hughes, of Southlake. He died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting is being reviewed by the Bedford Police Criminal Investigations Division with the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
The Hurst police officer who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave.
No officers were injured, the Texas Municipal Police Association said on X.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, there is help available. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
This story was originally published July 10, 2024 at 6:41 PM.
