On 05/07/21 at 3 PM, the Mesquite Police Department held a press conference that included local media members. This press conference was held for the purpose of releasing relevant information regarding the officer-involved shooting that took place on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 in Mesquite.
Critical Incident Community Briefing
Officer Involved Shooting Documents: Click here
Attached are documents concerning the incident, including a map, previous calls to the address and the incident report.
Watch May 7 Press Conference with Mesquite Police Department responses to media questions.
Original Release sent on May 4, 2021
On Tuesday, May 4 at 7:45 am, the Mesquite Police Department received a 911 hang-up call, where a female could be heard screaming and crying in the background. MPD dispatch was able to locate the address based on a prior call from the same phone number. In response to this call, officers were dispatched to the 5800 block of Northwest Dr., the Audubon Park Apartments.
Upon arrival at the location, officers made their way to the apartment where they were contacted by the victim, who advised that the suspect was armed with a knife. Officers made contact with the suspect on the side of the apartment building where the suspect charged at officers, armed with a knife and a club. At this time, two officers discharged their duty weapons at the suspect, striking him. Officers rendered first aid to the suspect until medical personnel arrived on the scene. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. A second ambulance was requested by officers for an assault victim at the location.
The suspect has been identified as Ashton Pinke, a 27-yoa male from Dallas, Texas.
The officers are identified as a 25-year veteran officer (female) and a 21-year veteran officer (male). No officers were injured during this incident.
As per departmental policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave with pay.
Per protocol, Investigators with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office responded to the location.
This is an ongoing investigation and more details will be released as they become available. Body Worn Camera Footage of this incident is being reviewed at this time and will be released to the public later this week.