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Officers arrest suspect in connection with fatal shooting at apartment

UPDATE:
The Arlington Police Department arrested a suspect today in the fatal shooting of an Arlington man. Kelly Jerome Upton, 44, is being held in the Arlington City Jail and facing a murder charge for the shooting death of Roland C. Tucker, 31 of Arlington. Bail is set at $500,000.

Upton was an acquaintance of Mr. Tucker. Based on prior history between Mr. Tucker and the suspect, homicide detectives were led to believe that Upton might have been responsible for this incident. On Thursday, March 29, 2012, homicide detectives talked to witnesses who heard gunshots and spotted a man with a gun near Mr. Tucker’s body. The witnesses described seeing a man wearing blue jeans, light-colored shirt and a dark hat. The man’s description matched Upton’s physical appearance. Investigators learned that Upton was staying in Irving. This morning, investigators saw him get into a vehicle, which officers stopped during a traffic violation. Upton, who was a passenger in the vehicle, agreed to speak with officers at the Arlington Police Department. The female driver was allowed to leave, but officers followed the woman who had been in the vehicle with Upton and saw her carrying a duffel bag from a nearby motel. When officers made contact with her, she gave the bag to police, who located a handgun inside. Investigators believe that weapon is connected to the shooting of Mr. Tucker.

Original details:
The Arlington Police Department is investigating the death of a man, who was discovered today outside an apartment. Officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of Stratton Lane just before 4 p.m. Thursday, March 29, 2012, to a possible shooting call. When officers arrived, they discovered a man lying on the ground deceased with apparent gunshot wounds. Witnesses described seeing a man running from the area around the time that the body was discovered. At this point, investigators are still speaking with witnesses to gather more information that might lead to a suspect and a reason for this incident. The victim has not yet been identified. Once next of kin has been notified the Tarrant County Medical Examiner will release the victim’s name and manner of death on their website.

Based on the homicide and witness accounts of a man running from the area, school officials made a decision to place nearby Nichols Junior High on lockdown, not releasing children at their normal after-school release time. The school was never involved in the incident, but was secured as a precaution. After confirming the safety of the area, children were released to parents and on school buses.

Homicide detectives will continue to investigate and gather information about the period of time leading up to the victim’s death. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Arlington Police Detective Lisa Wade 817 459-5325, or Crime Stoppers at (817) 469-TIPS (8477). All tipsters remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

This is the fourth homicide in Arlington this year.

Report# 120018165

Address/Location
Arlington Police Department (Texas)
620 W Division St
Arlington, TX 76011

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 817-459-5624