San Marcos Officers Cleared in Fatal June Shooting of Armed 25-Year-Old
A Hays County grand jury declined to indict two San Marcos police officers who shot and killed Thomas Anthony Hawkins III in June. Hawkins had lunged at an officer with a knife.
Grand jury clears two San Marcos officers in fatal apartment shooting
A Hays County grand jury has declined to indict two San Marcos Police Department officers who shot and killed 25-year-old Thomas Anthony Hawkins III on June 26, ksat.com reports.
The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins said Hawkins had a knife in his right hand and lunged at one of the officers before both fired, striking him multiple times.
Three officers had responded to the Mission Trail @ El Camino Real apartment complex after receiving information that Hawkins was inside one of the units. Hawkins was wanted on active warrants for violent offences from three counties, including an outstanding charge out of Hays County.
Two officers approached the third-floor apartment while a third monitored the balcony from below. After they knocked, residents — including Hawkins' brother and another person — came out and spoke with them. The officers were told there were weapons inside, and the brother offered to re-enter the apartment and attempt to bring Hawkins out peacefully.
While waiting in the hallway, the officers heard voices and what sounded like a struggle inside. The door then opened, and the brother was seen pushing Hawkins out into the corridor.
Hawkins immediately turned and lunged at one of the officers with the knife, according to the district attorney's office. Both officers discharged their weapons, and Hawkins was struck multiple times.
The Texas Rangers investigated the incident with assistance from the San Marcos Police Department. Before reaching its decision, the grand jury reviewed body camera footage from both officers as well as the findings of the Rangers' investigation. The panel concluded that no criminal charges should be filed.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)