A police chase that started in Lumberton ended with gunfire in Silsbee, leaving a 51-year-old Fred man dead at the scene. No officers were hurt in the shooting, which happened after officers said the suspect was armed with a gun.
KFDM reported that the Texas Rangers were called to investigate the October 2026 shooting. Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins told KFDM News that the man was shot after a chase that began in Lumberton and ended in Silsbee.
As reported by 12News Now, the suspect had a gun, according to police chiefs briefed on the incident. The station reported that Lumberton police officers and at least one Silsbee police officer were involved in the shooting, and that the Silsbee officer fired his weapon, according to Silsbee Police Chief Shawn Blackwell.
Conflicting Details on the Shooting Location
Accounts differ on exactly where the chase ended and gunfire broke out. 12News Now reported the chase ended when the vehicle stopped at Third Street and Avenue K in Silsbee. KFDM reported that the shooting happened near Fourth Street and Avenue K, behind Brookshire Brothers.
The circumstances that led to gunfire are similarly described differently between the two outlets. KFDM reported that Chief Sullins was still checking the circumstances surrounding the chase and which officers fired.
No Officers Hurt, Texas Rangers Lead Investigation
Both outlets reported that the officers involved came through the incident unharmed. 12News Now quoted law enforcement as saying the Lumberton officers involved are okay, while KFDM's report stated plainly that no officers were injured.
Per KFDM, the Texas Rangers were called to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Sheriff Mark Davis was on scene in Silsbee, where other law enforcement officers and agencies had also gathered, and KFDM News Director Keith McMahan captured video; reporters observed yellow crime scene tape wrapped around a car at the location.
KFDM News said it plans to provide updates as new details become available in the investigation.
