A Texas cop was arrested Monday on suspicion of murder charges for Saturday’s reported shooting of an unarmed Black man who was attempting to defuse a domestic dispute.
In a statement issued to CrimeOnline, the Texas Department of Public Safety said Texas Rangers’ preliminary investigation suggested Wolfe City police officer Shaun Lucas’ actions were not “objectionably reasonable.”
While officials have not yet released specific details regarding the shooting, attorney Lee Merritt, who is representing Jonathan Price’s family, said the 31-year-old had intervened as a man attacked a woman at a Kwik Check gas station. Merritt alleged that the responding officer tased Price — who had his hands up as he attempted to explain what he was doing. An officer opened fire after perceiving Price’s involuntary convulsions as a threat, the lawyer said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s statement appears to support most of Merrit’s claims. The agency said that on Saturday evening, Lucas responded to a possible fight in progress. Lucas reportedly made contact with Price, who was believed to been involved in the reported disturbance.
“Officer Lucas attempted to detain Price, who resisted in a non-threatening posture and began walking away. Officer Lucas deployed his TASER, followed by discharging his service weapon striking Price,” the statement reads.
City officials confirmed Sunday that Lucas was placed on administrative leave in connection with Price’s shooting death. Wolfe City police asked Texas Rangers to investigate the controversial officer-related shooting, resulting in Lucas’ arrest days later.
Court records indicate that Lucas was booked into jail on $1 million bail.
This is a developing story. Check with CrimeOnline for updates as they are made available.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Featured image: Shaun Lucas/Hunt County Jail; Jonathan Price/Facebook]
