Amarillo Police Release New Details in Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting at Walmart
AMARILLO, Texas — The Amarillo Police Department has released additional information regarding a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred late Saturday morning at the Walmart located on Georgia Street. The incident, which took place in the store’s parking lot, began as a routine welfare check and quickly escalated into a deadly encounter.
According to officials, the incident began around 11:38 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, when officers were dispatched to the Walmart parking lot following a report of a man sleeping inside a vehicle. The man, later identified as 35-year-old Justin Lee Crouch, was found unresponsive behind the wheel of a car by responding officers.
Initial reports indicate that officers attempted to make contact with Crouch in order to check on his well-being. However, during their interaction, officers observed a firearm inside the vehicle. For their safety, police say they immediately backed away and attempted to de-escalate the situation by maintaining a safe distance.
Moments later, according to police accounts, a gunshot was fired from within the car. In response to that gunfire, one officer discharged their weapon toward the vehicle. When officers were able to safely approach the car afterward, they discovered that Crouch was deceased. It has not yet been confirmed whether his fatal injuries were self-inflicted or resulted from the officer’s return fire.
No officers were injured during the incident.
The Amarillo Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating the shooting, and a full forensic review is underway. The department stated that a comprehensive analysis—including body camera footage, ballistic testing, and witness interviews—is being conducted to determine the precise sequence of events.
The identity of the officer who discharged their weapon has not been released at this time, pending an internal review and required administrative procedures. As standard protocol, the officer involved will likely be placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
In a press release issued Saturday afternoon, Amarillo Police emphasized that this remains an active and ongoing investigation. “Our officers responded to a welfare check with the intention of ensuring someone’s safety,” said an Amarillo PD spokesperson. “What happened next was a tragic escalation that is now under thorough review by our Homicide Unit.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the community, with some expressing concern about the circumstances of the shooting and the procedures followed. Local residents and advocacy groups have called for transparency in the investigative process and the prompt release of body camera footage, if available.
Crouch’s family has not yet issued a public statement, and little is known about what led to his presence in the Walmart parking lot or his mental and emotional state at the time of the incident.
The Amarillo Police Department is encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the event or has relevant information to come forward and speak with investigators.
Further updates, including autopsy results, the findings of the internal investigation, and any decisions regarding disciplinary action or charges, are expected to be released in the coming days. The department has committed to keeping the public informed as more details emerge.
This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.