TEMPLE, TX (August 8, 2025) – This release is an initial condensed timeline of a use of force event that occurred on Thursday, August, 7, 2025. This is preliminary information and may change as the investigation continues.
At around 9:09 p.m., a male called the Bell County Communications Center advising he was out front of the Temple Police Department and unafraid to shoot himself. Between 9:10 and 9:12 p.m. when the first officers arrived on scene, the subject advised that he was “just done”, he wanted the police department to come shoot him, and he had a pistol on him. At 9:12 p.m. the caller repeated that he had a weapon and knew what he had to do. The subject continued stating that he wanted to shoot himself dead and advised that he’d lost his wife and his home. At 9:13 p.m. the subject advised that God was telling him he is done.
Officers contacted the individual and attempted to deescalate the situation. The subject initially maintained the gun pointed at his head own head. From 9:13 p.m. through 9:18 p.m., the subject continued to yell at officers to shoot him while officers asked the subject to drop the gun multiple times. The subject repeatedly mentioned that he had lost everything.
An officer that had a rapport with the subject from prior contacts took over communication and they interacted for several minutes. At approximately 9:20 p.m., the suspect removed the gun from his head, extended his arm, and pointed the gun toward several officers. Multiple officers responded by discharging their issued sidearms or rifles at the suspect.
Officers immediately began providing medical attention until relieved by Temple Fire and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services.
The suspect was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Rosanne Fisher.
The Temple Police Department called in the Texas Rangers to investigate the incident due to the death of the suspect.
A total of seven officers discharged their duty weapons during this incident. As a matter of standard practice, these officers have been placed on administrative leave with pay. To fully understand the timing, sequence of events and fully understand the incident, an internal affairs investigation of the incident has been ordered as well.
The lobby of the police department and the roadway in front of the police department is temporarily closed.
This is an active investigation, and no other information will be released at this time.
Anyone with information should contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477, where callers can report anonymously. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.