The Mesquite Police Department said it is investigating a shooting incident involving one of its officers.
The department released a video on its Facebook page detailing its investigation into the shooting incident.
The incident occurred on January 31, around 8:30 p.m., at an apartment complex in the 800 block of Interstate 30.
An officer who had been on patrol located a truck at the apartment complex parking lot. The truck’s license plate matched with one belonging to 40-year-old Joseph Wayne Butler.
According to the department, Butler was wanted on felony warrants and a parole violation. However, Mesquite PD did not reveal the details of his charges or their origin.
The Wichita Falls man was also wanted on a warrant by another law enforcement agency for evading police.
According to the video, Butler was in the truck and fled as the officer approached the vehicle. Butler then allegedly stopped, turned around, and fired at the officer seven times as the officer chased him. The officer fired back at Butler, hitting him at least two times.
Mesquite PD revealed that officers recovered a 9mm pistol from Butler. Officers also found seven shell casings from the suspect’s pistol and six others from the officer’s pistol.
According to the department, Butler was taken to a hospital around 8:45 p.m. and was pronounced dead at approximately 9:30 p.m. The officer, who Mesquite PD described as a 3-year-veteran of the department, was not injured in the incident.
