WFPD Releases Statement Regarding Officer Involved Fatal Shooting Wednesday Evening

A Wichita Falls Police officer was involved in a shooting wednesday night on Gloria Lane in Wichita Falls.

Police were called to a home in the 2000 block of Gloria Lane at 6:30 pm on Wednesday.  An unidentified male was shot in front of the home by the officer. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Here is the official statement released by the Wichita Falls Police Department:

On May 14th, 2014, at approximately 6:30 pm, Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 2000 block of Gloria Lane in reference to family disturbance. The first Officer arrived at the scene alone and within moments of arriving he was confronted with a subject with a weapon. The Officer discharged his firearm and struck the armed subject.

1st responders were called immediately to the scene however the subject died at the scene. Justice of the Peace Sons pronounced Joshua Powell, Hispanic Male, DOB 07-09-1991 deceased.

The incident is under investigation by the Wichita Falls Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section, Wichita County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Professional Conduct. Powell’s body will be sent to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner for Autopsy. The details of the investigation will be presented to the Wichita County Grand Jury.

The officer involved in the shooting was Officer Stephen Ginger, who has 10 years of service with the Wichita Falls Police Department. Officer Ginger has been placed on Administrative (paid) leave during this investigation, which is customary and policy in these situations.

The WFPD Public Information Office will be responsible for all questions and the release of all information related to this incident.

Sergeant John Spragins
Wichita Falls Police Department
Public Information Officer