Texas SWAT commander killed, 3 other officers wounded in standoff; suspect arrested

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One Texas law enforcement officer was killed and three others were wounded Thursday in what became an hours-long standoff with a barricaded suspect in Levelland, about 30 miles west of Lubbock, authorities said. 

The suspect, identified as Omar Soto-Chavira, 22, was eventually taken into custody late Thursday night and was to be hospitalized for unspecified injuries, according to KCBD-TV in Lubbock. 

Soto-Chavira bonded out of jail just four days ago after being accused of assaulting family members, KAMC-TV of Lubbock, reported. Texas has seen a rise in crimes by defendants out on bond – and just this week the state Senate passed a bond reform bill aimed at addressing the problem.

TEXAS SUSPECT HELD ON $1.5M BOND, CAUGHT 2 WEEKS AFTER YOUNG MOM'S SHOOTING DEATH, AUTHORITIES SAY

Thursday's incident began when Lubbock SWAT team members responded around 2:15 p.m. to reports of shots fired. 

Killed was Sgt. Josh Bartlett, commander of the SWAT team, who was shot shortly after arriving and transported to Covenant Medical Center in Levelland, where he was pronounced dead. 

Omar Soto-Chavira, 22, was arrested after an hours-long standoff.  (Hockley County Sheriff's Office)

Three other officers were wounded and transported to a hospital in Lubbock. Two of them were in critical condition, according to the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday expressed his condolences to the family of Bartlett and asked Texans to keep the wounded officers in their prayers.

"Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and Sgt. Bartlett's murder is a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices faced by law enforcement every day," Abbott said in a statement. "Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to pray for the family and friends of Sgt. Bartlett as they mourn his death, and we also pray for the other three law enforcement officers who were injured in the line of duty."

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was among those expressing condolences after learning about Bartlett's death.

U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, who represents Texas' 19th Congressional District, which includes Levelland, said he was asking for people to pray for Bartlett's family. 

"May God bless all the victims of today's shooting, their families, and our community at this difficult time," he tweeted. 

Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish said in a statement that county flags would be flown at half-staff, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. 

"Today, Brenda and I join Lubbock County citizens in mourning the loss of Lubbock County Sheriff’s deputy, Sgt. Josh Bartlett, who was shot and killed in the line of duty today," Parrish said. "It is with heavy hearts that we send our deepest sympathies to the Sgt’s family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement. This terrible loss is a solemn reminder of the risks our brave law enforcement officers face while protecting our communities. I ask all Lubbock County citizens to join us in praying for his family, for healing for the other officers who were injured in the standoff, and for the entire Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department. As a mark of respect, it is fitting that flags at all Lubbock County buildings be lowered to half-staff in his honor and memory."

Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope said in a statement that he joined the city in "mourning" Bartlett's "tragic and senseless death."

"This senseless killing serves as a stark reminder of the danger our first responders face every day," he added, according to the Journal. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bartlett family and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department family." 

Gunfire was heard at the scene around 3 p.m. and then again around 6 p.m., KCBD reported. 

"Shots are being fired in all directions," a witness told KCBD. 

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Authorities had urged the public to stay clear of the area in Levelland, saying that "driving around aimlessly for curiosity hinders the police movements."