Kilgore Police responded to the Walmart on Stone Road on Saturday, April 19th, following 911 calls reporting a male subject concealing items and holding a gun. Callers then indicated a gun had discharged inside the store and the male was walking towards the exit.
Officers arrived swiftly, located the subject, and detained him. No firearms were found on his person. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had concealed merchandise, including a flare gun, and had accidentally discharged the flare gun within the store. He then placed the flare gun on a shelf and attempted to leave.
During the investigation, officers discovered the suspect had two outstanding city warrants. They also learned he had multiple prior felony convictions, including theft.
The suspect was arrested on the city warrants and additionally charged with Disorderly Conduct (for firing the flare gun and causing panic) and Theft of Property <$2500 with two or more prior convictions.
Kilgore Police acknowledged the alarming nature of the incident for those who heard the flare gun discharge. They commended the rapid response of their night shift officers, who initially believed there was an armed individual inside the store. Thankfully, no handgun was involved, and no one was injured.
The suspect was booked into the Kilgore Jail.
