DeSoto police say suspect in officer-involved shooting threatened them

DeSoto Police have released body camera video showing the events leading up to an officer-involved shooting Sunday morning.

They were called about 4 a.m. on reports of a "group of people wandering in the 1100 block of Greenbriar Drive and knocking on residents' doors asking for assistance."

Police say the first officer to arrive saw he had a gun in his pocket, and the suspect ran off.

"Martinez issues a threat to kill the officer if he sees him again," says Assistant Chief Ryan Jesionek.

Jesionek says police set up a perimeter. He says the suspect, Jesse Martinez, 34, threatened to kill officers and was with a woman, girl and one year old boy.

Jesionek says Martinez had active warrants for kidnapping and a history that includes aggravated assault of a minor.

"During this video, the officer is attempting to deescalate the situation and have him release the other individuals and come out peacefully," says Sergeant Bryan Ziegler.

Instead, Ziegler says video shows Martinez with two guns. He says the video shows Martinez refuse to show his hands while he is standing behind the woman and kids.

Jesionek says one officer fired, hitting Martinez and killing him. No one else was hurt.

"I want to thank the men and women of the DeSoto Police Department for their service and their professionalism during and after this incident," Jesionek says.

The officer remains on leave. Grand Prairie Police and the Dallas County District Attorney are leading the investigation of the shooting.

LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube