LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Razorback football player Andrew Armstrong is mourning the loss of his brother, 26-year-old Arthur Lee Armstrong Jr., who was fatally shot by police in DeSoto, Texas, during an incident involving law enforcement on Friday morning.
According to the DeSoto Police Department, the events unfolded on December 13, 2024, at approximately 10:39 a.m. Officers responded to a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Drive. Upon reestablishing contact with the caller, Armstrong informed dispatchers that he was armed with “several” weapons and intended to harm police officers.
A second caller later confirmed that Armstrong was inside the residence with other occupants and was armed with a knife.
When officers arrived on the scene, they were confronted by Armstrong in the front yard. Police reported that he was wielding a knife in each hand and ignored repeated commands to stop and drop the weapons. As Armstrong advanced aggressively toward the officers, one officer fired a single round from a patrol rifle, striking him in the chest.
After disarming Armstrong, officers initiated life-saving measures before DeSoto EMS transported him to Central Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Andrew Armstrong expressed his anguish over the incident, writing:
“Y’all did my brother like that knowing he had mental health issues. He is in y’all’s system as one, and y’all came to my granny’s house and shot him close range with an AR15? IN FRONT OF OUR MOMMA.”
The DeSoto Police Department has confirmed that the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. Additionally, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit has dispatched an investigator to review the case.
As part of department policy, the officer who discharged the weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave while investigations are ongoing.
The DeSoto Police Department acknowledged the gravity of the incident, stating that it impacts both the community and the families involved. The department assured the public of a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
To provide updates, a press conference has been scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at DeSoto Police Department headquarters. Community members and media are encouraged to attend for additional details on the investigation.
This incident raises questions about the intersection of law enforcement and mental health crises, as Arthur Armstrong’s family noted his history of mental health struggles. The investigation will aim to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
