Arlington Police are releasing more information about a shooting involving officers on October 7. Police were responding to a call outside an apartment complex on Lamar, between Collins and Baird Farm, about 9 p.m.
The 911 caller said someone was looking into cars in the parking lot. The first two officers to arrive found the man lying on his back on the hood of a car.
“Mr. Coward sat up, at which point the officers noticed he had a handgun near his hip,” says Arlington Police Chief Al Jones.
Jones says officers told the suspect, Tony Coward, to show his hands. Instead of putting his hands up, Jones says Coward grabbed the gun and raised it.
“Unfortunately, there are instances where individuals we encounter make choices that escalate things,” Jones says.
Jones says two officers fired and started first aid on Coward until paramedics arrived. Coward died at the hospital.
The investigation shows Coward did fire a shot during the exchange. Jones says Coward had a history including public drunkenness, theft, trespassing and a mental health emergency.