Suspect arrested after injuring 4 officers, killing sheriff’s sergeant in Texas

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:22 AM PT – Friday, July 16, 2021

A suspect has been taken into custody in Texas after allegedly shooting five law enforcement officers, killing one. In a press conference on Thursday, Levelland Police Department Chief Albert Garcia identified Omar Soto-Chavira as the man who opened fire on the officers during a nearly 11-hour standoff.

The incident began around 11 a.m. local time when a highway patrol trooper, who was engaged in a traffic stop, was apparently taunted by another reckless driver. The car was discovered two hours later when police responded to a call about an armed man acting strangely.

Omar Soto-Chavira (Hockley County Jail)

As police tried negotiating with the suspect, the 22-year-old then opened fire directly at authorities. Three of the injured officers have been treated and released from the hospital.

Meanwhile, the fallen officer has been identified as the SWAT leader for the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Josh Bartlett, who leaves behind a wife and three sons.

A procession was held honoring Bartlett just after the shooting. Garcia explained the Texas rangers have taken over the investigation moving forward.

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