On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at approximately 4:06 p.m., an off-duty Fort Worth Police Officer called 911, reporting that he was involved in a hit-and-run on I-35W southbound at Morningside Drive. According to the officer, his vehicle was struck by another vehicle, and the driver failed to stop and exchange information, fleeing the scene instead.
The officer described the fleeing vehicle as a red Ford F-150 and began following it. During the pursuit, the officer reported that the truck attempted to ram his vehicle. Shortly after, the officer advised that shots had been fired.
The pursuit continued southbound on I-35W and came to a stop on the southbound service road near Bellvue Drive. At 4:13 p.m., Fort Worth Police officers responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the hit-and-run driver had been shot multiple times. The driver received immediate medical attention on site and was transported to a nearby hospital. His injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
The investigation is in its preliminary stages and remains ongoing.
UPDATE: The off-duty Fort Worth Police Officer involved in this incident was placed on restricted duty on Thursday, September 5th.
When an officer is placed on restricted duty, the officer is reassigned to an administrative position where he/she has no police powers and his/her badge and gun are taken away. As per policy and standard procedure, the names of officers involved in shootings are not released pending the active investigation.
Concurrent criminal and administrative investigations are being conducted. Per policy, in cases where an officer is involved in a shooting, the following occurs:
- Administrative and criminal investigations are initiated.
- The officer and witnesses and other involved parties are interviewed.
- Evidence is collected and reviewed.
- The findings of any criminal case investigated by the Major Case Unit is turned over to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA) for review.
- TCDA will determine what charges, if any, are to be pursued.
- Internal Affairs will conduct an investigation based upon the completion of the information received above.
Typically, unless an arrest is made in cases such as this, the names of the parties involved are not released.
At this time, no one, including the driver who was shot during this incident, has been placed under arrest. The investigation into both the hit-and-run and the shooting will determine if any charge(s) will be filed.
The Fort Worth Police Department is asking for the community’s help by providing any pictures or videos of the incident. Please call the Major Case Unit at (817) 392-4430 with this information.
The Fort Worth Police Department encourages drivers to not engage with other drivers who appear to be agitated or showing signs of road rage. Call 911 immediately to report the incident. If possible to do so safely, gather the license plate information and description of the driver and vehicle involved.
