From BSPD: Media Release 10/14/2024
On the 12th of October 2024 at approximately 3:00 P.M., Big Spring Police Department officers were dispatched to meet with complainants in the Trinity church parking lot. Upon arrival officers spoke with complainants who stated that Justin Rodriguez Hispanic/Male 23 YOA was at a residence in the 1300 block of Lamar and had reported that Rodriguez had attempted to fight a family member and was very aggressive. The person(s) informed officers that Justin told them he had two knives, and the police better have guns.
While speaking with the complainants dispatch informed officers, they received another call advising that Justin had departed the residence walking northbound, had two knives in his hands and has threated to kill police officers.
Officers immediately responded to the area to locate Rodriguez. While in the area dispatch informed Rodriguez had called them and threatened to kill the police.
Officers located Rodriguez just west of the intersection of N. Monticello and Barnes and observed he was armed with two large knives. Big Spring Police Department officers as well as Howard County Sheriffs Department deputies attempted to speak with Rodriguez asking him to drop the knives and to tell them what was going on. A trooper with the Department of Public Safety also arrived on scene to assist.
Officers continued to attempt to de-escalate the situation with Rodriguez for approximately 17 minutes, pleading with him to put the knives down and to speak with them about what was going on and assured him they would get him some help. Rodriguez ultimately refused and began to walk away from officers in the direction of civilians. Officers ordered Rodriguez to stop in which he refused. Officers followed deploying less lethal bean bags rounds and a taser both of which were ineffective.
Rodriguez had diverted his attention back to officers and approached holding two knives. Four Big Spring Police Department officers discharged their weapons striking Rodriguez multiple times. Officers immediately kicked both knives away from Rodriguez and called for Emergency Medical Services to respond. Officers began life saving measures, checked for vitals and found no signs of life. The scene was then secured.
As with all officer involved shootings, the investigation has been turned over to the Texas Rangers Division. The four Big Spring Police Department officers have been placed on administrative leave as standard protocol pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigations.
This was a tragic event for all officers involved and Mr. Rodriguez’s family. The Big Spring Police Department asks prayers to be made for all involved. This incident is under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Chief of Police, Chad Williams
Administrative Lieutenant Brian Gordon
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