An Arlington man is facing an aggravated assault charge after police say he shot and critically wounded a firefighter responding to a welfare call early Friday morning.
Firefighters, police, and paramedics arrived at an apartment on the 400 block of Bardin Greene Drive at about 12:43 a.m., police said, after someone called 911 reporting hearing children crying in a neighboring apartment and pleading with their mother to wake up.
Police said officers knocked on the door and identified themselves but no one answered. After knocking on the door for five minutes, and identifying themselves 17 times, police said officers could still hear children inside continuing to call for their mother to wake up.
"Concerned that someone inside the apartment could be injured or in need of emergency medical attention, the first responders made the decision to force entry into the apartment," Assistant Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said during a news conference Friday afternoon.
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While a firefighter used a tool to open the door, police continued to identify themselves outside. A short time later, police said, someone inside the apartment fired a gun through the door and the bullet struck firefighter Brady Weaver who was standing at the door.
Hearing the gunshot, all first responders backed away from the door including Weaver who was able to retreat on his own before being taken to a nearby hospital.
Arlington Fire Chief Bret Stidham confirmed Friday afternoon that Weaver was critically injured but was stable and alert and that his recovery was trending the right way.
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"My staff and I have had the chance to visit with Brady and his family," Stidham said. "I'm reporting that he appears to be in good spirits and alert. Brady's recovery is going to be a long one."
Stidham said Weaver is a six-year veteran of the Arlington Fire Department.
After the gunfire, police ordered everyone inside the apartment to come out and they said a man, a woman, and two children complied. McGuire said they surrendered without incident and were cooperative.
The man inside the apartment was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after being questioned by detectives. Police said the man told them he and his girlfriend woke up and mistook the sound of first responders trying to enter the residence as someone trying to break into their apartment, fired his gun and told his girlfriend to call 911. Police confirmed the woman did call 911.
Arlington Police said investigators will consult with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether any other criminal charges should be filed against the man.
No additional shots were fired and there were no other injuries reported. Police said the woman who exited the apartment was the woman being called by the children and that she needed no medical attention.
Arlington Police said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
