BIG SPRING, Texas — The Big Spring Police Department (BSPD) has released full details into a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon.
According to Lieutenant Brian Gordon with BSPD, officers were called to the Trinity church parking lot in Big Spring to meet with people who said that a man identified as 23-year-old Justin Rodriguez was in the 1300 block of Lamar and attempted to "fight a family member and was very aggressive."
Gordon also stated that witnesses told officers that Rodriguez had "two knives, and the police better have guns."
While speaking with the witnesses, BSPD dispatch informed officers they received another call that said Rodriguez left his house and was walking northbound with "two knives in his hands," threatening "to kill police officers."
According to Gordon, BSPD dispatch also informed officers that Rodriguez called them and threatened "to kill police."
When BSPD arrived on scene, they found Rodriguez west of the intersection of N. Monticello and Barnes, who was "armed with two large knives."
Gordon said BSPD and the Howard County Sheriff's Department attempted to talk to Rodriguez, asking him to drop the knives and to tell him what was going on. Gordon also said a trooper with the Department of Public Safety arrived on scene to assist.
Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation with Rodriguez for "approximately 17 minutes, pleading with him to put the knives down and to speak with them about what was going on and assured him they would get him some help."
According to Gordon, Rodriguez refused to cooperate and "began to walk away from officers in the direction of civilians."
After Rodriguez continued to refuse, Gordon said officers fired "less lethal bean bags rounds and a taser both of which were ineffective."
Then, Gordon said Rodriguez turned around towards law enforcement on scene, approaching him "holding two knives."
According to Gordon, that was when four BSPD officers "discharged their weapons" and struck "Rodriguez multiple times."
When Rodriguez fell to the ground and BSPD kicked both knives away and called for Emergency Medical Services.
Gordon said officers tried life saving measures but were unsuccessful. Rodriguez died at the scene.
The four BSPD officers who shot at Rodriguez have been placed on administrative leave as standard protocol.
As with all officer-involved shootings, the Texas Rangers are investigating.
"This was a tragic event for all officers involved and Mr. Rodriguez's family," Gordon said. "The Big Spring Police Department asks prayers to be made for all involved."