Crime
Video shows moments 26-year-old Arthur Armstrong Jr shot and killed by DeSoto police
On December 13, 2024, at approximately 10:39 a.m., the DeSoto Police Department received a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Drive.
Upon reestablishing contact, the caller, identified as 26-year-old Arthur Lee Armstrong, Jr., informed dispatchers that he was armed with “several” weapons and intended to harm police officers.
A second caller later confirmed that Armstrong was at the residence with multiple other occupants and armed with a knife.
DeSoto patrol officers promptly responded to the scene.
Upon their arrival, Armstrong confronted them in the front yard, wielding a knife in each hand.
Ignoring repeated commands to stop and drop his weapons, Armstrong advanced aggressively toward the officers.
As Armstrong continued closing the distance, one officer discharged a single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest.
Officers quickly disarmed Armstrong and initiated life-saving measures on the scene. Armstrong was then transported to Central Methodist Hospital by DeSoto EMS, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The DeSoto Police Department requested that the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Additionally, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit dispatched an investigator to provide an independent review of the matter.
In accordance with department policy, the officer who discharged the weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave while these investigations are underway.
The DeSoto Police Department recognizes the significant impact this incident has on the community, as well as the individuals and families involved. A comprehensive investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event, and the department is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process.
To provide further details, a press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the DeSoto Police Department headquarters. Community members and media are encouraged to attend for updates on the investigation.
On December 13, 2024, at approximately 10:39 a.m., the DeSoto Police Department received a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Drive.
Upon reestablishing contact, the caller, identified as 26-year-old Arthur Lee Armstrong, Jr., informed dispatchers that he was armed with “several” weapons and intended to harm police officers.
A second caller later confirmed that Armstrong was at the residence with multiple other occupants and armed with a knife.
DeSoto patrol officers promptly responded to the scene.
Upon their arrival, Armstrong confronted them in the front yard, wielding a knife in each hand. Ignoring repeated commands to stop and drop his weapons, Armstrong advanced aggressively toward the officers.
As Armstrong continued closing the distance, one officer discharged a single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest.
Officers quickly disarmed Armstrong and initiated life-saving measures on the scene. Armstrong was then transported to Central Methodist Hospital by DeSoto EMS, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The DeSoto Police Department requested that the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Additionally, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit dispatched an investigator to provide an independent review of the matter.
In accordance with department policy, the officer who discharged the weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave while these investigations are underway.
The DeSoto Police Department recognizes the significant impact this incident has on the community, as well as the individuals and families involved. A comprehensive investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event, and the department is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process.
To provide further details, a press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the DeSoto Police Department headquarters. Community members and media are encouraged to attend for updates on the investigation.