LUBBOCK, TX – A late-night confrontation in a parking lot on the Texas Tech University campus left a suspect dead and two university police officers wounded early Tuesday morning, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident unfolded at approximately 12:45 a.m. when two Texas Tech police officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle located in a parking area north of the Jones AT&T Stadium.
According to a statement from the Lubbock Police Department, which has since taken over the investigation, the suspect exited the vehicle, produced a firearm, and opened fire on the officers. The officers returned fire, striking and killing the suspect at the scene.
The two injured officers were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both were listed in stable condition, and one has since been released, Texas Tech Police Chief Kyle Bonath confirmed in a press briefing.
“Our officers are receiving the best care possible, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community,” said Chief Bonath. The names of the officers have not yet been released.
The identity of the deceased suspect is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. It remains unclear why the individual was on campus or if they had any affiliation with the university.
Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec issued a statement reassuring the campus community. “There is no ongoing threat to the campus,” Schovanec stated. “The prompt and courageous actions of our university police officers prevented a greater tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officers and their families.”
The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The Texas Municipal Police Association released a statement describing the event as an “ambush” and commending the officers for their response.
This incident marks the second high-profile shooting involving Texas Tech police in recent years. In 2017, Officer Floyd East Jr. was shot and killed inside the campus police station by a student who was being booked on a drug possession charge. The student, Hollis Daniels III, was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
While classes and university operations are expected to continue as scheduled, the university is offering counseling services to students and staff affected by the incident. The investigation into Tuesday’s shooting is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more details as they become available.
