Posted 3:35 pm Monday, June 25, 2012
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Constable Shoots Gun Out Of Suicidal Man's Hand
By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
Quick thinking and incredible shooting by a Wood County constable ended an hour-long standoff Sunday when he shot the gun out of a suicidal subject’s hand.
Texas Ranger John Vance said Wood County Sheriff’s deputies, Constable Edward Shadbolt, other constables and Department of Public Safety troopers responded to a home on County Road 2445 near Winnsboro Sunday afternoon shortly after 2 p.m.
“A suicidal subject called 911 threatening to harm himself. When deputies arrived they learned the subject ran into his large backyard where he hid from officers,” he said.
Vance said officers combed the area and finally spotted the 50-something male hiding and making threats to fire on officers.
Vance said Shadbolt, a tactical rifle and weapons instructor in Wood County, was called to the scene to assist in the situation.
“Shadbolt was in the process of trying to negotiate with the subject when the subject suddenly posed a threat on the constable and he disarmed the subject,” he said.
Vance said Shadbolt was approximately 30 yards from the man when he fired a round from his rifle striking the man in his hand causing him to drop a handgun.
“Basically he wanted a suicide by cop kind of thing, but Shadbolt was able to disarm him,” he said.
Vance said the man was taken by ambulance to East Texas Medical Center and treated for wounds to the hand, but was later transported to ETMC Behavioral Health where he is currently being evaluated.
Vance said the incident remains under investigation and charges are pending in the case.
Staff Writer
Quick thinking and incredible shooting by a Wood County constable ended an hour-long standoff Sunday when he shot the gun out of a suicidal subject’s hand.
Texas Ranger John Vance said Wood County Sheriff’s deputies, Constable Edward Shadbolt, other constables and Department of Public Safety troopers responded to a home on County Road 2445 near Winnsboro Sunday afternoon shortly after 2 p.m.
“A suicidal subject called 911 threatening to harm himself. When deputies arrived they learned the subject ran into his large backyard where he hid from officers,” he said.
Vance said officers combed the area and finally spotted the 50-something male hiding and making threats to fire on officers.
Vance said Shadbolt, a tactical rifle and weapons instructor in Wood County, was called to the scene to assist in the situation.
“Shadbolt was in the process of trying to negotiate with the subject when the subject suddenly posed a threat on the constable and he disarmed the subject,” he said.
Vance said Shadbolt was approximately 30 yards from the man when he fired a round from his rifle striking the man in his hand causing him to drop a handgun.
“Basically he wanted a suicide by cop kind of thing, but Shadbolt was able to disarm him,” he said.
Vance said the man was taken by ambulance to East Texas Medical Center and treated for wounds to the hand, but was later transported to ETMC Behavioral Health where he is currently being evaluated.
Vance said the incident remains under investigation and charges are pending in the case.
