DeSoto city council member for Place 6 Crystal Chism has issued a statement addressing the fatal police shooting of Arthur Armstrong Jr., known as AJ, following a mental health-related 911 call on Dec. 13.
In a Facebook post, Chism described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended condolences to Armstrong’s family and the community.
“This is a devastating moment for his family, friends, and the entire DeSoto community. I want to take a moment to honor AJ’s life and acknowledge the grief we all feel,” the statement read.
According to police, the 911 call reported that Armstrong was armed with knives.
The situation escalated, resulting in an officer fatally shooting Armstrong.
A video of the encounter has circulated on social media, prompting questions and concerns from residents about the use of force.
Chism said she and other city officials reviewed police footage and spoke with residents in response to the incident.
While noting that department policies were followed, she called for further examination of the city’s use-of-force protocols, particularly the role of non-lethal alternatives.
“One of the most pressing concerns is the use of force,” said Chism.
She pointed to the department’s use of AR-15 rifles, expressing reservations about such weapons being deployed in civilian settings.
She also emphasized the need for greater reliance on non-lethal tools in potentially dangerous situations.
Chism noted that the police department is training officers to use Taser 10 devices, which allow for multiple non-lethal shots to subdue individuals.
Mental health response was another focus of the statement as Chism acknowledged gaps in the city’s current crisis intervention efforts.
She highlighted a recently approved Community Crisis Response Team, which will handle nonviolent, low-level mental health and homelessness calls with trained, unarmed professionals.
“While this program would not have applied in AJ’s case because the 911 call indicated he was armed, it highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to mental health crises,” Chism explained.
City officials have urged residents to remain patient as the investigation continues and have invited the community to engage in dialogue about potential reforms and safety measures.
An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.