LUBBOCK COUNTY, Texas — A Lubbock County sheriff’s deputy was killed Thursday and four others were wounded during a standoff with a suspect in Levelland.
The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a call at around 2:15 p.m. about a person who was possibly armed and had barricaded himself inside a residence, KLBK reported.
The situation quickly escalated, and gunfire was exchanged. Sgt. Josh Bartlett was fatally shot.
Bartlett, commander of the SWAT team, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported. He was later pronounced dead.
Levelland police Sgt. Shawn Wilson and three other officers were also wounded in the standoff, The Dallas Morning News reported. The standoff continued into the night. The Texas Rangers will take over the investigation when the standoff is over.
Police described the suspect as “very hostile.” Authorities know who the suspect is but have not released his identity.
“We appreciate the public’s support during this difficult time and ask for continued prayers for his family, both blood and blue,” the sheriff’s office said on social media.
***MEDIA RELEASE*** The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of our own, tonight, SWAT Commander...
Posted by Lubbock County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, July 15, 2021
Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe said Bartlett served in the department for nine years.
“He loved to do the job that he did every day,” he said.
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