A deputy was critically wounded in a shooting at a Fort Worth bank last week, with the suspect detained shortly after thanks to community involvement. In what law enforcement called a "bone-chilling" incident, Tarrant County Sheriff's Deputy Brent Brown was shot twice while off-duty, according to WFAA.
The attack occurred at the Fort Worth Community Credit Union on November 27 when 35-year-old Leland Williams entered the bank intending to quickly execute a robbery plan. However, his scheme unraveled as he fired at Brown, who was working security in his uniform but off-duty capacity. Despite being struck in the upper body, Brown managed to return fire. Responding officers were on the scene within a minute, but the shooter had already fled.
Authorities arrested Williams after spending half an hour at a relative's home near the bank. Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes praised the residents for their help in guiding police to Williams' location. Following the standoff, which ended without further violence, the suspect was taken to the Tarrant County Jail with his bond set at $1 million. He now faces charges of attempted capital murder of a peace officer.
In the wake of the shooting, Deputy Brown has shown considerable resilience. Brown is walking and making "daily progress" despite injuries initially described as mortal. "He says 'I am ready to come back' his attitude is incredible," said Waybourn. Further details on the deputy's condition revealed he remained hospitalized with a tube to drain fluid from his lung, as per WFAA.
The Fort Worth Police Department has since released the surveillance and body camera footage to the public, offering a clear image of the events that unfolded. Viewing of the critical incident is available online, as noted by Hoodline, shedding light on the violent encounter and the rapid response by law enforcement and the community.
