Authorities have identified Jesse Martinez, a 34-year-old Dallas resident, as the suspect who was fatally wounded in an officer-involved shooting early Sunday morning.
Martinez had an extensive criminal history, including charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault of a minor, according to police.
He was wanted on multiple warrants at the time of the incident.
The confrontation began around 4:00 AM in the 1100 block of Greenbriar Drive, where police responded to reports of Martinez trespassing and knocking on residents’ doors.
He was holding the small child at the time.
Accompanied by two women, Martinez was reportedly armed and threatened to shoot any responding officers.
Despite efforts by police to de-escalate the situation, Martinez fled with the group into a nearby creek.
Officers established a perimeter and found the suspect about 30 minutes later on Springbrook Drive.
During the standoff, Martinez continued to hold a handgun and refused to surrender the child or his weapon.
Fearing for the safety of the child and themselves, an officer fired their rifle, striking Martinez.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by DeSoto medical personnel.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave, following departmental policy.
The incident remains under investigation.
Grand Prairie Police are conducting the main investigation.
The DeSoto Tribune has reached out to the Grand Prairie Police Department for additional comments and information, but no response has been received as of yet.
As more information becomes available, this story will be updated.