A 47-year-old man was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly firing approximately 30 rounds into his family’s home while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, believing they had already been murdered. The suspect, identified as Homero Salinas-Izquierdo, was taken into custody after a multi-agency response.
911 Call Leads Officers to Active Shooter Situation
At 2:40 AM on March 23, 2025, officers with the Ferris Department of Public Safety and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call placed by a man claiming that people were trying to kill him and that his entire family had already been murdered.
Upon arrival at the 800 block of East 8th Street, officers determined that the caller, Homero Salinas, was the very person responsible for the gunfire. Salinas, who resides in a rear dwelling on the same property, had fired multiple shots into the front residence where his family members were hiding on the floor in fear.
Investigators later determined that Salinas was hallucinating under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when he opened fire, acting on the delusional belief that he was under attack and that his family had already been killed.
Suspect Armed and on the Move
Following the gunfire, Salinas left the property on foot, walking down East 8th Street. Witnesses reported that he claimed to be wearing a ballistic vest and was acting erratically.
Law enforcement from the Ferris DPS, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, and Wilmer Police Department responded and quickly located Salinas. He was taken into custody without further incident, and authorities recovered multiple firearms and ammunition from the scene.
Despite the heavy gunfire, all family members were found safe, and the damage was limited to the suspect’s own property.
Immigration Status and Prior ICE Detainer
Through fingerprint identification, authorities confirmed that Salinas is a Mexican citizen who does not have lawful immigration status in the United States. Further investigation revealed that in 2013, Salinas had previously been detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which had placed a detainer on him at the time.
City Officials Respond to Incident
City Manager Brooks Williams acknowledged the bravery of law enforcement and emphasized the dangerous failures in the system, stating:
"The fact that no lives were lost in this incident is a testament to the skill and discipline of our first responders. This morning, we are thanking God no one was injured and for His favor over all the officers involved. But we cannot ignore what this situation reveals—someone without legal status, previously flagged by ICE, was still here and still able to access deadly weapons. That’s not just a local issue, it’s a systemic failure."
Deputy City Manager for Public Safety John DeLeon also addressed concerns about Salinas’ ability to obtain firearms despite his previous detainer, stating:
"We are a nation of laws. When someone who has already had a detainer placed by ICE is able to remain in the country, acquire firearms, and walk freely into a neighborhood with a gun, that’s a failure of enforcement. This has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with protecting people."
DeLeon also praised the quick response by officers, stating:
"Our officers and the deputies ran toward danger when others would have run away. That kind of bravery is too often overlooked. Their quick action ensured that lives were protected and that this community was spared a devastating outcome."
Authorities are now working closely with the Ellis County Sheriff's Office and federal agencies to investigate the incident further. This case highlights a dangerous convergence of substance abuse, mental instability, unauthorized presence in the country, and access to firearms, all of which contributed to a situation that could have ended in tragedy.
Law enforcement urges anyone with additional information to contact the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
