On April 1st at 8:42 PM, APD officers were called to the Overnite RV Park at 900 S. Lakeside on a burglary in progress. The caller told officers that he returned to his RV and found an unknown male standing inside holding a gun. The caller, who was also armed, was able to disarm the suspect. The suspect then retreated to another room in the RV, where other firearms were located. The caller then exited the RV and called police. When officers arrived they heard a commotion from inside of the RV and saw the suspect armed with a gun. The suspect refused commands to disarm himself and exit the RV. The suspect came to the door and pointed the firearm at officers. An APD officer fired at the male who retreated back inside and out of view. The suspect then began firing rounds at officers from inside of the RV. At 9:09 PM, the APD Critical Incident Response Team, was called to assist. The suspect continued to fire the weapon from inside of the RV while APD SWAT and Negotiators arrived. Chemical irritant was deployed into the trailer in an attempt to get the suspect out. At 9:48 PM, officers observed the suspect lighting a fire inside of the RV, which became fully engulfed. While the fire burned, officers could hear multiple rounds of ammunition going off. At 10:11 PM, the Amarillo Fire Department was able to put the fire out and the suspect was found dead inside of the RV. The suspect is unidentified at this time. Justice of the Peace Gary Jackson has ordered an autopsy. No officers were injured during the incident. The Amarillo Police Department Special Crimes Unit and the Texas Rangers are investigating the incident. As with all officer involved shootings, the officer involved will be placed on administrative leave.
