Beaumont Police Officer Shot by Pellet Rifle, Suspect Killed During Fire Response

A Beaumont Police Officer sustained a penetrating head wound and a suspect was killed on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after officers assisting the Beaumont Fire Department at a structure fire came under fire.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., Beaumont Police Officers were blocking a roadway in the 2200 block of Fillmore Street to ensure safety during a structure fire. While on scene, officers were fired upon by a suspect with what was later determined to be a pellet rifle. One officer was struck in the head. Two officers returned fire, striking the suspect.

The injured officer was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released, though he will require follow-up medical care. No other officers were injured.

The suspect was identified as Andy Ortiz, a 35-year-old Beaumont resident with a lengthy criminal history. Ortiz was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation indicates that after shooting the officer with the pellet rifle, Ortiz attempted to use the same rifle to break into a patrol unit that contained another weapon.

The structure fire was determined to have originated at Ortiz’s residence and is currently under investigation by the Beaumont Fire Department.

This incident remains under investigation by the Beaumont Police Department, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, and the Texas Rangers.