SHELBY COUNTY, Texas — A tense early-morning situation in rural Shelby County ended without injuries Saturday after deputies and multiple assisting agencies responded to reports of gunfire and threats against law enforcement.
At approximately 4 a.m. on February 7, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a complaint from a resident on County Road 4789, southwest of Timpson. The caller reported that a neighbor had been discharging a firearm throughout the night and believed bullets may have struck their home. The caller also reported hearing yelling from the property.
A second neighbor soon called in with similar concerns.
A responding deputy reported hearing two gunshots just before entering the suspect’s driveway and observed the suspect inside the residence. Dispatchers were able to connect the deputy with the suspect’s mother by phone, who then linked the suspect into the call.
During the conversation, the suspect allegedly made serious threats toward the deputy, indicating what would happen if law enforcement returned to the residence. Authorities described the threat as credible and potentially dangerous, raising concerns about a possible ambush scenario.
Given the circumstances, additional law enforcement resources were requested.
Multiple agencies responded, including Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Dispatch and Criminal Investigations Division; Center Police Department Patrol and Special Response Team officers with an MRAP vehicle; Texas Highway Patrol sergeants and troopers from Nacogdoches and Shelby counties; Shelby County Constables for Precinct 5 and Precinct 3; Texas Game Wardens; and Allegiance EMS. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office assisted in securing warrants, and the Texas Rangers began coordinating additional special response personnel, though they were ultimately not needed.
Officials said a coordinated plan was put into place, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. No officers or residents were injured.
The suspect remains in custody on a charge of Terroristic Threat, a felony. Authorities are awaiting a professional mental health evaluation.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation, noting that with limited patrol resources in the county, collaboration is essential to ensure public safety.
All officers involved returned home safely.
