Amarillo Police are reporting that a man was found dead following an incident at an RV park this week.
On April 1st, officers were called to the Overnite RV Park at 900 S. Lake on a burglary in progress. The caller told officers that he found an unknown man standing inside of his RV, holding a gun. The caller, who was armed, was able to disarm the suspect. The suspect then retreated to another room in the RV where other firearms were located. The caller then called police and exited the RV.
When officers arrived, the heard a commotion from inside of the RV and saw the suspect armed with a gun. The suspect allegedly refused commands to disarm himself and exit the RV, then came to the door and pointed the firearm at officers. An APD officer then fired at the suspect, who went back inside and out of view. The suspect then began firing rounds at officers from inside the RV.
At 9:09PM, the APD Critical Incident Response Team was called to assist. The suspect continued to fire the weapon inside the RV while APD SWAT and Negotiators arrived. Chemical irritant was deployed into the trailer in an attempt to the get the suspect out. At 9:48PM, officers observed the suspect allegedly lighting a fire inside the RV, which became fully engulfed. While the fire burned, officers could hear multiple rounds of ammunition going off.
Amarillo Fire Department crews put the fire out at 10:11PM and the suspect was found dead inside the RV.
The suspect has not been identified. Justice of the Peace Gary Jackson has ordered an autopsy. No officers were injured during this incident.
APD Special Crimes Unit and the Texas Rangers are investigating. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, which happens with all officer involved shootings.
