Martin Gomez, 46

Pharr, Texas
December 20, 2016

Agencies: Texas Attorney General's Office | Texas Department of Public Safety | Pharr Police Department Texas

Cause of death: Shooting

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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Texas Rangers are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Pharr. 

The Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Johnny Hernandez said it happened at the 200 block of East Emil around 4:30 a.m. Pharr police was responding to a domestic disturbance.

According to a press release, two Pharr police officers arrived at the scene and spoke with two men that told the officers the man involved in the disturbance was inside the home.

The man inside, identified at Martin Gomez, 46, exited the front door and charged at the police officers holding a knife in each hand.

The two officers discharged their firearms, striking Gomez. An ambulance was summoned and Gomez was transferred to a local hospital.

The Pharr Police Department followed standard protocol and contacted the Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger Division requesting their independent criminal investigation.

Pharr police was notified of the man’s passing at around 5:30 a.m.

The two officers involved are a 5-year veteran and a 1-year veteran of the department. Both officers were placed on paid administrative leave in accordance to departmental policy. 

Pharr police do not wear body cameras. They will start to in January since that's when the equipment will arrive. 

Pharr Police Chief Ruben Villescas said all officers are equipped with tasers. It'll be up to the Texas Rangers to decide if the officers acted appropriately using lethal force in the case.

Community and Family Efforts

December 2016 Obituary