Paris Police have identified the suspect who was shot and killed by a police officer on Jan. 23 after he came at the officer brandishing two large knives as 30-year old James Lewis Mathis III of Paris.
The shooting happened in the 200 block of E. Sherman Street around 11:41 p.m. after a patrol officer initiated a traffic stop.
According to reports, Mathis refused to exit the vehicle and was uncooperative. A second officer arrived and while talking with Mathis, he exited the vehicle and displayed two large knives in a threatening manner to the officers.
“After many commands to drop the weapons and not to come any closer, the suspect started towards the officers and was shot,” said Paris Police Chief Bob Hundley.
The suspect was transported by EMS to a local hospital where he died. The officers did not sustain any injuries.
Hundley further stated that the two officers involved in the incident would remain on administrative leave while the Texas Rangers continue their investigation.
