Waxahachie Police Department officers responded to a serious incident on West Jefferson Street on Sunday after receiving a distress call about a reported disturbance. Official reports from the department's Facebook page describe the chaotic scene that unfolded shortly after 9:27 p.m. when officers encountered a white male brandishing a large dagger. The situation quickly escalated when the individual, later identified as 27-year-old Larry Reeves III, failed to comply with officers' commands, presenting a clear threat as he advanced toward a nearby female.
The responding officers tried to de-escalate matters, but their non-lethal efforts were thwarted as Reeves made a threatening gesture towards the female. In response, an officer on the scene was forced to discharge their weapon when Reeves proceeded to throw the dagger. The altercation resulted in officers firing additional rounds. Despite the immediate medical intervention by both the Waxahachie Police and Fire-Rescue Departments, Reeves succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Baylor Scott & White Waxahachie Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the critical incident, the Texas Rangers were notified and have since embarked on an independent investigation into the shooting. This move aims to maintain transparency and objectivity in assessing the engagement that led to Reeves' death. No other community members or law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident. The WPD's disclosure of these events emphasizes their commitment to keeping the public informed while the investigation continues. The full report is available for public review on the Waxahachie Police Department's Facebook page.