A welfare call east of Holland turned violent Friday when three Bell County Sheriff's Office deputies shot a man during a 911 response, leaving him hospitalized with non‑life‑threatening injuries, according to county officials.
The man was identified as 53‑year‑old Brian Keith Fikac. Authorities say he was taken to a Baylor Scott & White hospital, where he remains in the custody of the sheriff's office. One deputy was evaluated at a hospital and later released, and the three deputies who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave while state investigators handle the criminal side of the case.
According to KEYE/CBS Austin, deputies were dispatched at 12:37 p.m. to the 18000 block of FM 2268 for a 911 call reporting a violent domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they encountered a man who, investigators say, "displayed what deputies believed to be a firearm," which prompted the deputies to open fire. Investigators later recovered a rifle at the scene.
Body‑worn camera footage from the incident has been turned over to the Texas Rangers and the Bell County District Attorney's Office, according to the same report. After reviewing evidence from the scene, prosecutors charged Fikac with aggravated assault against a public servant, a first‑degree felony. Bell County officials say he was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center for treatment and remains in custody with a bond set at $500,000. The sheriff's office also confirmed that the injured deputy was evaluated and released and that the three deputies who fired remain on administrative leave while the criminal investigation moves forward.
Texas Rangers Lead the Probe
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers are tasked with investigating major violent crimes and officer‑involved shootings. Their work typically includes collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with local prosecutors.
The Rangers' involvement here signals that state investigators, rather than the sheriff's office alone, will oversee the criminal review of the shooting. The sheriff's office can still conduct its own internal administrative inquiry, but the Rangers will drive the criminal fact‑finding that lands on the district attorney's desk.
Charges and What Comes Next
Local officials say the Bell County District Attorney's Office filed the aggravated‑assault charge after reviewing evidence gathered at the scene and by the Rangers. The three deputies who fired their weapons remain on administrative leave in line with department policy.
Prosecutors are expected to go through Ranger reports and body‑worn camera video as they decide how to proceed in court. For now, Fikac remains hospitalized and in the custody of the Bell County Sheriff's Office with a bond set at $500,000, as reported by KEYE/CBS Austin.
Legal Context
Under Texas law, aggravated assault is defined in Penal Code Section 22.02. The statute elevates the offense to a first‑degree felony when it is committed against a public servant who is lawfully performing official duties.
That upgrade matters. A first‑degree felony in Texas commonly carries a punishment range of five years to 99 years or life in prison, which is why prosecutors typically take a hard look at investigative files before pushing ahead. Readers can find the statute text on Justia and an explainer on the penalty range at LegalClarity.
Where To Get More Information
Bell County officials have asked anyone with information, video, or tips related to the incident to contact the sheriff's office or Bell County Crime Stoppers. Non‑emergency contact numbers and jail information are available on the county's website.
Both the Bell County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Rangers say the investigation remains active and that more details will be released as their work progresses. The county page lists the main phone numbers and addresses for the sheriff's office and the jail for those seeking additional information.
