De-Escalation Success: Man Arrested After Pulling Gun on Officers at Matagorda County Fairgrounds

A collaborative effort by law enforcement officers led to the arrest of a 42-year-old man who allegedly pulled a gun on officers at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds without a single shot being fired. The incident occurred Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 9 p.m.

Two officers from the Bay City Police Department, along with an El Campo Police Department Officer and a Wharton County Sheriff Deputy, were working an extra employment assignment at the fairgrounds following a fireworks display.

According to reports, James Templeton, a resident of Nichols Square Apartments, walked across the street from his residence and began to verbally abuse workers at the fairgrounds. When officers attempted to approach Templeton, he allegedly brandished a firearm at them.

Officers quickly unholstered their own weapons but were able to de-escalate the tense situation, successfully talking Templeton into putting his gun away. As officers moved closer to take him into custody, Templeton reportedly adopted a fighting stance, pushing and hitting the first officers who engaged him. Officers eventually managed to get Templeton to the ground, disarm him, and place him in handcuffs.

Templeton was transported to the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Jail, where he was booked on four counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant and Resisting Arrest, Search or Transport with a Deadly Weapon.

Bay City Police Chief Christella Rodriguez issued a statement expressing her gratitude: “I am extremely grateful that our officers were able to de-escalate the situation without a single shot being fired. Their professionalism, courage, and restraint are commendable and a true reflection of the training and dedication our agencies strive for.”

Chief Rodriguez also issued a firm warning: “Let me be very clear—we will not tolerate anyone pulling a weapon on our officers or threatening their lives. Such actions are not only dangerous but completely unacceptable.”

She concluded by thanking all involved for the safe outcome: “We are thankful for the safe outcome and that all officers went home unharmed. I commend everyone involved for their calm and decisive response in a potentially deadly encounter.”