A man was fatally shot by a Georgetown police officer Saturday afternoon following a violent altercation in Georgetown Square, as confirmed by the Georgetown Police Department.
The incident unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. when police received reports of an individual behaving erratically and jumping on vehicles in the area. Upon arrival, officers encountered the man, who claimed to be armed and reached towards his waistband. Although the officers determined he was not carrying a weapon, the situation escalated as the man advanced toward them, prompting at least four officers to engage physically.
The confrontation quickly turned intense, resulting in a struggle that transitioned to the ground. During this altercation, the man attempted to seize a handgun from one of the officers’ holsters. It remains uncertain whether he successfully retrieved the weapon. At one point, a shot was fired, leading the officers to disengage before one officer discharged their firearm.
Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida provided details of the incident, noting, “He indicated to them that he had a gun. He reached for his waistband. At the time, the officers were able to discern that he did not have a gun in his waistband, but he advanced to the point that they had to go hands-on. The struggle became extremely violent, and during this, the subject attempted to pull a handgun from an officer’s holster. It is unclear whether the gun was removed from the holster, but a shot was heard.”
Authorities emphasized that there was no active shooter situation and no ongoing threat to the public, countering social media speculation. The shooting took place in a bustling section of downtown Georgetown, where many were shopping and enjoying the afternoon. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing a rapid police response, prompting some to seek shelter in nearby establishments.
Despite immediate medical assistance, the man was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The police have yet to disclose the identity of the deceased or the names of the officers involved, stating that the investigation is still in its early stages. The Texas Rangers are spearheading the inquiry into the officer-involved shooting, assisted by the Georgetown Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
