A 26-year-old man was fatally shot Friday morning in an officer-involved shooting after moving towards DeSoto police officers with knives, according to a statement from the DeSoto Police Department.
The incident occurred around 10:39 a.m. in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Drive.
Police dispatch initially received a 911 hang-up call from the residence.
After re-establishing contact, the caller identified himself as 26-year-old Arthur Lee Armstrong Jr., and stated that he possessed “several weapons” and intended to harm police.
Officers responded after a second caller reported Armstrong was at the location with multiple other residents and armed with a knife.
When officers arrived at the scene police said Armstrong approached officers in the front yard, holding a knife in each hand, and ignored multiple commands to stop and drop the weapons.
As Armstrong moved toward the police, one DeSoto officer fired a single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest, police said.
Police said officers disarmed him and began life-saving measures on the scene.
Armstrong was transported to Central Methodist Hospital by DeSoto EMS, where he was pronounced dead.
The officer who fired the shot has been placed on paid administrative leave, per DeSoto Police Department policy.
Officers from the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit lead the investigation, while the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit is independently reviewing the incident.
DeSoto police emphasized their commitment to transparency, stating that updates will be shared as the investigation continues.
“We understand the profound impact incidents like this have on our community, the individuals involved, and their families,” the statement read.
A press conference is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at the DeSoto Police Department to provide additional information.
DeSoto Tribune Staff