A middle school student has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old Texas man, according to Lavon Police.
In a press release issued Monday, Dec. 15, authorities said a 14-year-old juvenile was “taken into custody in Dallas, Texas without incident.” Because the suspect is a minor, police have not released their name.
“The Lavon Police Department would like to thank the community and the law enforcement agencies who assisted in the investigation and apprehension of this suspect,” the department said.
Police previously said the teen was wanted in connection with the death of Romeo English, 24. Investigators allege the shooting followed an altercation on Dec. 13 at a small “pop up” gathering at a home in the 700 block of Wellington Drive in Lavon.
According to the department, both the suspect and the victim were at the gathering when a verbal argument escalated into a physical confrontation. Police said the homeowner intervened and broke up the fight. Shortly afterward, authorities allege, the suspect “brandished a firearm and shot the victim multiple times at close range” as English was preparing to leave.
Officials described the suspect as approximately 5’8″ and 150 pounds.
Police said they believe the incident was isolated and targeted, adding that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. Still, they urged anyone who sees the suspect to call 911 immediately and not attempt to approach.
Authorities initially found English suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died, Fox 4 reports.
Community Independent School District confirmed Sunday, Dec. 14 that the alleged shooter is a student at Community Trails Middle School. The district said the teen last attended school on Nov. 11 and indicated the shooting appears to have been targeted, adding that it did not believe there was an active threat to students.
After the arrest, the district announced additional security measures. “For at least the morning of Tuesday, December 16, our campuses in Lavon – NeSmith Elementary, Dodson Elementary, and Community Trails Middle School – will remain closed to visitors,” a district representative said, adding that the campuses would also have an increased security presence Tuesday.
Lavon Police also released a statement thanking numerous agencies for assisting in the apprehension.
“In partnership with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Louisiana State Police, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff s Office, Shreveport Police Department, Community Independent School District Police Department, Wylie Police Department, Josephine Police Department, Lavon Fire Department, Wylie ETMC, and Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office we have been able to bring the suspect into custody without further violence in less than 48 hours,” police said.
Anyone with further information related to the investigation is encouraged to email cid@lavontx.gov or call dispatch to reach an on-duty officer at 972-547-5350.
