On the evening of Sunday, May 19, 2024, at approximately 8:19 p.m., a Fort Worth Police Department officer assigned to the East Division was involved in a violent encounter during a follow-up investigation related to a recent shooting. The incident began when the officer identified a vehicle suspected to be involved in a shooting that had occurred the day prior, on Saturday, May 18, in the 4800 block of Miller Avenue. };
As the officer began to follow the vehicle in question, he had not yet activated his emergency lights when the situation escalated rapidly. According to a witness who later spoke with investigators, the suspect pulled his car over on his own and exited the vehicle with his hands raised. This gesture initially appeared to be a sign of surrender, and the officer began to exit his patrol vehicle to approach the individual. };
However, what seemed like a routine traffic stop quickly turned dangerous. As the officer got out of his patrol car, the suspect suddenly reached for a firearm and opened fire on the officer, discharging multiple rounds. The officer, caught in the unexpected attack, managed to return fire while taking cover. During the exchange, the suspect retreated to his vehicle and fled the scene at high speed. }; . However, upon arrival at a local hospital, medical personnel determined that his injuries were not caused by bullets but by flying debris from the patrol car that had been damaged in the shootout. The officer’s protective training and response allowed him to maintain pursuit of the suspect for approximately a mile, despite the incident and his injuries.
Eventually, the officer’s patrol vehicle became disabled and he was forced to end his pursuit. Additional Fort Worth Police units arrived at the scene and took over the pursuit of the fleeing suspect. The chase continued across city limits into a neighboring area. Law enforcement worked quickly to track the suspect, and their efforts led them to a residential address in Arlington.Within two hours of the initial shootout, officers located and arrested 33-year-old Devoreia Thompson at his Arlington home. He was taken into custody without further incident. Investigators confirmed that Thompson was the suspect involved in both the Saturday shooting on Miller Avenue and the subsequent shootout with the officer on Sunday night. }; The officer involved in the shooting has been a member of the Fort Worth Police Department for approximately 18 months. He joined the department as a lateral transfer from a nearby law enforcement agency, bringing prior experience to his current role. Following the shootout and his evaluation at the hospital, he was released later that same evening and is now recovering at home with his family.
This incident underscores the inherent danger that officers face even during seemingly standard investigative operations. A situation that began with a traffic stop quickly turned into a gun battle, highlighting the unpredictability of violent encounters in the line of duty. The Fort Worth Police Department has not yet released body-worn camera footage or additional details about the ongoing investigation, but officials confirm that more information will be made available following standard reviews. }; The department is also expected to file several felony charges against Thompson, including attempted capital murder of a police officer. The investigation remains active, and further updates are anticipated as evidence is processed and statements are reviewed.
