Homeowner Fatally Shot After Pointing Gun at Edinburg Police

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX – An elderly homeowner was fatally shot by police Wednesday afternoon after authorities said he pointed a firearm at officers responding to a dispute involving irrigation workers in a west Edinburg neighborhood.

The shooting occurred at about 1:30 p.m. in the 2500 block of West Sprague Street, according to Police Chief Jaime Ayala, who spoke during a press conference near the scene.

Ayala said irrigation workers had been conducting routine maintenance work on a canal along the south side of the roadway when the homeowner became upset over their presence. The man confronted the workers and demanded they leave the area. When they refused, he contacted police.

Two officers responded to the scene and attempted to speak with the homeowner, who continued insisting that the workers leave, Ayala said. During the encounter, the man told officers he would retrieve a firearm if his demands were not met. Officers then observed that he was already carrying a weapon, according to police.

A third officer later arrived at the scene. Ayala said the homeowner removed the firearm from his waistband and pointed it toward officers. Police then opened fire, striking the man.

The homeowner was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity pending notification of family members.

It was not immediately clear how many officers discharged their weapons. The Texas Rangers are expected to investigate the shooting, which is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings across the state.

Police did not report any injuries to officers or the irrigation workers.

Source — City of Edinburg Police Department.