A suspect was shot and killed by officers during an Amarillo SWAT, DPS and Deaf County Sheriff operation in Hereford on Wednesday.
According to the Randall County Sheriff's Office, authorities received information on August 1st regarding a 35-year-old male suspect wanted on felony warrants. Officers learned the suspect's possible location was in the 200 block of 6th Avenue in Hereford.
Amarillo Police Department SWAT units worked with other officials and attempted to take the suspect into custody. The male suspect exited the rear of the residence with a handgun and attempted to run around toward the front of the residence when he saw officers. The suspect presented the handgun at the officers in the front and SWAT officers shot the suspect. The suspect, identified as Jonathan Mendoza, 35, died on the scene.
Mendoza was reportedly wanted on several warrants, including: Parole Violation – Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon, Assault Household Member – Impeding Breath or Circulation, Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon, and Terroristic Threat.
The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on mandatory paid administrative leave. The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting. All findings will be turned over to the District Attorney's Office for review.
