Big Spring Police Officer-Involved Shooting Leaves Suspect Dead

On October 12, 2024, at approximately 3:00 PM, officers from the Big Spring Police Department were dispatched to meet with complainants in the parking lot of Trinity Church. Upon arrival, officers spoke with individuals who reported that Justin Rodriguez, a 23-year-old Hispanic male, had attempted to fight a family member at a residence located in the 1300 block of Lamar Street. The complainants stated that Rodriguez had made threats, claiming he possessed two knives and warned that officers better have guns.

While officers were gathering information, dispatch informed them of another call indicating that Rodriguez had left the residence walking northbound with two knives and had threatened to kill police officers. Officers promptly responded to locate him.

Shortly thereafter, dispatch reported that Rodriguez had called threatening to kill the police. Officers found him just west of the intersection of N. Monticello and Barnes Street, where he was armed with two large knives. Officers from the Big Spring Police Department, along with deputies from the Howard County Sheriff’s Department and a trooper from the Department of Public Safety, attempted to communicate with Rodriguez, urging him to drop the knives and discuss the situation.

For approximately 17 minutes, officers tried to de-escalate the situation, assuring Rodriguez they would provide help. However, he refused to cooperate and began walking away from officers toward civilians. When ordered to stop, Rodriguez ignored the commands. Officers followed him, deploying less-lethal bean bag rounds and a taser, both of which proved ineffective.

As Rodriguez diverted his attention back toward the officers while still holding the knives, four officers from the Big Spring Police Department discharged their weapons, striking him multiple times. Officers immediately secured both knives and called for Emergency Medical Services. Life-saving measures were initiated, but officers found no signs of life upon checking for vitals.

In accordance with standard protocol, the Texas Rangers Division has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the criminal and administrative investigations are conducted. The Big Spring Police Department expressed condolences to both the officers involved and the family of Mr. Rodriguez, requesting prayers for all affected.