Fort Worth Police Body Cam Footage: Officer Unknowingly Shoots at Business Owner

Incident Overview

• 🚨 On March 12th, 2025, Fort Worth Police officers responded to a commercial burglary alarm at a restaurant.
• 🎯 Upon arrival, officers encountered a man holding a gun pointed in their direction at the rear of the business.
• ⚠️ Fearing for their safety, one officer discharged their duty weapon, but the man was not struck.

Communication Breakdown

• 🗣️ The business owner, who was on the property, was unaware of the officers' presence, and the officers were unaware he was the owner.
• 📞 A commercial alarm company initially reported the burglary, with a follow-up call indicating the door was open and an individual had checked cameras, but did not state they would be responding to the scene.
• 🤝 The Fort Worth Police Department emphasizes the importance of partnerships with businesses and encourages owners to provide detailed information when responding to their properties.

Officer and Owner Actions

• 🔫 The business owner immediately dropped his weapon and complied with commands after the officer fired.
• 🤝 Officers took the owner into custody temporarily to verify his identity and ensure no other threats were present.
• 🚫 No injuries were reported, and the business owner was released from custody without charges.

Investigation and Policy

• 🔍 The Major Case Unit is leading the investigation into the initial break-in by an unknown suspect.
• ⚖️ Both officers involved were placed on standard significant event leave per department policy and are expected to return to duty.
• 💬 The incident has prompted discussions about communication protocols, especially in situations involving business owners responding to their properties during alarms.

Message to Business Owners

• 📝 Business owners are urged to inform the police department of their presence, vehicle, and whether they are armed when responding to a compromised business.
• 📍 Providing this information allows officers to better understand the situation and potentially advise owners to wait down the street until the scene is secure.
• 🤝 This proactive communication is crucial for preventing misunderstandings and ensuring the safety of all parties involved.