A man suspected of shoplifting died after a shooting involving Decatur police officers Tuesday night, prompting an investigation by the Texas Rangers, authorities said.
The incident began around 9:40 p.m. when two Decatur police officers responded to a report of a theft in progress at a Walmart located at 800 South U.S. Highway 81, according to a statement from the Decatur Police Department. Officers encountered a 46-year-old man fleeing the scene on foot, just south of the parking lot between the Walmart and a Tractor Supply store.
Decatur Police Chief Delvon Campbell said the shoplifting suspect was shot during the encounter, though specific details about what led to the shooting were not released, per CBS News. Officers provided medical aid at the scene, and the man was transported to Medical City Decatur, where he was pronounced dead. The man’s identity has not been disclosed.
A second person who was waiting for the suspect in a car in the parking lot drove away from the scene, according to the police chief.
No officers were injured in the incident. The Texas Rangers, a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, are leading the investigation, as is standard for officer-involved shootings in Texas. The two officers have been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is completed.