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WESLACO — The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal Weslaco police shooting that happened late Thursday night.
The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Juan Diego Contreras. He was shot and killed by a Weslaco police officer who is an eight-year-veteran with a military background, according to Police Chief Joel Rivera said at a Friday press conference.
At 11:29 p.m., Weslaco police received a call for service in regards to shots fired in the area of 700 N. Republic Street, Rivera stated.
Officers were at the scene within three minutes and met with a complainant who directed them to the area of 700 N. Pueblo St.
It was there that made contact with Contreras.
According to Rivera, Contreras was “extremely intoxicated.”
“Contreras was highly intoxicated and aggressive,” Rivera said. “At some point during that interaction, he turned around and reached for a shotgun.”
At that point the responding officer feared for his life and the lives of those close by and shot Contreras, Rivera said.
The initial news release regarding this situation stated that Contreras was transported to the Knapp Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office was then called to conduct the investigation into the shooting as per protocol, Rivera said.
Additionally, the officer who shot Contreras was placed on administrative paid leave.
When asked for additional information, Rivera stated he would rather not speculate as the investigation is still ongoing.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with new information from the news conference.
