FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth police say two men have died after they were shot by two of their officers overnight.
Chief Neil Noakes said an officer and an arson investigator were around 32nd Street and Ross Avenue to address illegal firework activity. That was at 12:25 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5.
The officers then witnessed "an altercation," then encountered two armed men.
"This was a very dynamic scene that just came out of nowhere. Our officers weren’t even trying to respond to this scene when they came by," said Noakes.
Chief Noakes said both the officer and investigator shot at the men, striking them both. One of them died at the scene and the other died in the hospital.
According to the chief, another man and a woman were also found on the scene with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to the hospital as well. Chief Noakes said it is not clear at this time if the two were shot before or during the altercation.
Neighbor Christopher Hernandez showed WFAA a bullet hole that was found on the side of his home near the scene.
"It's very frightening," Hernandez said. Fort Worth Police confirmed on Wednesday that it was a bullet hole and found nine shell casings in front of the home.
“Yeah, it’s scary this happening so close. But like I said, for years it’s been a festive thing, no violence and all of a sudden we have this violence. It’s kind of like a sign of the times, you know," said Hernandez.
“I think the important thing to remember is that is stressful for all of us. It’s stressful for the entire city of Fort Worth. It’s stressful for the nation. This is going on all over. And quite frankly we’re all tired of it," said Noakes.
As per protocol, both officers are now on administrative leave.
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