Grand Prairie, TX – A Texas man was shot in the leg by police officers early Friday morning after law enforcement mistakenly responded to the wrong home, authorities said. The incident has sparked questions about police procedures and the safety of residents during emergency responses.
Incident Summary
Grand Prairie police were dispatched around 1:45 a.m. Friday to the 3000 block of Holly Drive following a disturbance call. However, due to the caller’s cell phone generating an incorrect location, officers arrived at the neighboring home, where Thomas Simpson and his family were sleeping.
Officers reportedly knocked on Simpson’s door for five minutes with no answer. When Simpson emerged from his garage in what officers described as an “aggressive stance” while holding a gun, police opened fire, striking him in the leg.
Homeowner’s Account
In an interview, Simpson said he initially believed intruders were attempting to break into his home.
“What I saw is the garage door open. I saw two pairs of legs. So I raised my pistol, ready to fire, assuming it was criminals,” Simpson explained.
“I never popped the round off. As soon as the door opened, I saw their badge. I threw the gun to the ground, got shot in the leg. I dropped to the ground and Grand Prairie PD proceeded to fire about eight rounds after I was on the ground.”
Simpson emphasized that he did not fire any shots. He also claimed that officers never clearly identified themselves when approaching his home.
Impact on Family
The incident left Simpson’s family shaken. His teenage children were reportedly handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser for four hours, witnessing their father being shot.
“They saw their daddy gets shot. We’re gonna talk to lawyers and go after everybody responsible for it,” Simpson told.
“They need to pay. They need to learn there are consequences to their actions.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Simpson expressed gratitude that no one in his household was seriously injured or killed.
“All of us are extremely lucky nobody got killed,” he told.
Investigation and Legal Review
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office confirmed it will review the incident to determine whether criminal charges against Simpson are warranted.
Authorities have not released details regarding any internal investigation into the police department’s handling of the call or the decision-making process that led to officers firing on the homeowner.
Safety Concerns Raised
The incident highlights concerns about emergency dispatch accuracy and the risks of police responding to incorrect addresses. Residents and experts alike have questioned whether additional verification measures should be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Next Steps
Police and local authorities are expected to release more information following the ongoing investigation. Simpson and his family are reportedly consulting legal counsel to explore their options for potential civil action.
What do you think about police response protocols and homeowner safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
