The homeowner shot by law enforcement authorities during a welfare check in rural Weslaco on Friday has died, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Saturday.
Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra said via Twitter on Friday that the shooting occurred in the 7000 block of Mile 3 1/2 in rural Weslaco after deputies responded to a “welfare concern.” According to Guerra, neighbors heard shots fired inside a residence there and were concerned for the children inside the home.
The sheriff went on to say on Twitter that the homeowner pointed a weapon at law enforcement and was then shot.
In Saturday’s release, the sheriff’s office identified that homeowner as Rigo Mendez, a 39-year-old man the agency said is now dead.
The release also stated that the shooting occurred after deputies responded to the scene at around 3:30 p.m. Friday.
Following the shooting, two sheriff’s deputies and as many state troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety have been placed on administrative leave, as per each agency’s protocols in such cases, the sheriff’s office said in the release.
Texas Rangers are now investigating the shooting as well as the sheriff’s office’s investigative team that probes shootings involving law enforcement.
Witnesses or anyone with more information are encouraged to call the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at (956) 383-8114, or submit an anonymous tip by calling the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (956) 668-TIPS (8477), or by using the mobile app P3 TIPS.
