Fort Worth

Parker County Deputy Was Shot With Own Gun: Sheriff

Investigators initially believed deputy was shot by an illegal hunter

A Parker County deputy was shot with his own gun on Monday and was not ambushed by an illegal hunter, Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler says.

Investigators initially believed Deputy Jarrett Turner was shot by a hunter while investigating a complaint about poaching on private property along Cattlebaron Road.

The investigation found Turner was shot by his own backup gun, which malfunctioned, Fowler said. Turner was shot in the foot and was treated and released from a Fort Worth hospital.

Fowler said he has six years of experience and has been with Parker County since April 2016.

"This investigation has led us down several avenues," Fowler said. "This incident was not an accidental discharge. It was a weapons malfunction from a concealed backup weapon which was secured and holstered on his person."

Video from the deputy's body camera showed two shots were fired with a bullet striking the approaching deputy in the foot, a sheriff's spokesman said.

Fowler said it is not clear how the gun malfunctioned but said the video showed the deputy’s hands were not on the gun when it discharged.

The sheriff had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The Texas Rangers, Texas Game Wardens, ATF and Parker County deputies were searching the area with dogs Tuesday. Tarrant County Sheriff's Office also assisted in the incident.

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