A 40-year-old man was apprehended on Saturday after he allegedly opened fire on police officers responding to a welfare check in Lake Worth, Texas. The incident took place on Canyon Trail, where gunfire struck nearby homes and vehicles.
Law enforcement officials received a call around 11:33 a.m. regarding a welfare check in the 4200 block of Canyon Trail. Upon arrival, officers encountered Anthony Danenza Jr. in the front yard. Reports indicate that Danenza retreated into his home to retrieve a firearm and subsequently barricaded himself inside.
In response, the Fort Worth police and other agencies arrived to assist, establishing a safety perimeter around the area. As a precaution, neighboring homes were evacuated. Throughout the standoff, Danenza was observed moving in and out of the residence while negotiations took place. The situation escalated when he fired shots at the officers.
Residents reported hearing several loud gunshots, with bullets damaging a vehicle’s window and hitting an upstairs window of a nearby house. Following the tense confrontation, a weapon was found in the driveway.
SWAT team members utilized tear gas to facilitate the arrest of Danenza, who was taken into custody without further incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among officers or nearby residents.
Danenza now faces multiple charges, including nine counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer and four counts of deadly conduct. Two separate investigations will be conducted: Lake Worth police will look into the welfare check, while Fort Worth police will investigate the shots fired during the standoff.
Neighbors described Danenza as a friendly individual who had children that played with their own. One local remarked, “You never know what people are going through,” highlighting the unexpected nature of the incident.
Following the necessary medical evaluation, Danenza is expected to be taken to jail.
