Lubbock Police Officer Reinstated After Review Board Clears July Shooting

A Lubbock police officer, who faced administrative leave after a fatal shooting earlier this month, has been exonerated and is now back on active duty, as announced by the department on Thursday. An internal investigation, complemented by an independent review from the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office, determined that the officer's actions were consistent with department policy and state law.

On July 5, officers were dispatched following reports of gunfire and a significant disturbance outside a business located in the 2900 block of Parkway Drive at approximately 3:30 a.m. A release from the Lubbock Police Department (LPD) indicates that 17-year-old Terrence Hastings Jr. was reportedly firing into a crowd when officers reached the location.

The officer, with nearly five years of service at LPD, issued verbal commands for Hastings to surrender. Authorities report that the teenager escaped and subsequently aimed his firearm at individuals nearby. The officer subsequently discharged their weapon, hitting Hastings. Following the loss of his gun, Hastings allegedly tried to get it back, leading the officer to discharge his firearm once more, resulting in a fatal injury.

“Although the loss of life is always a tragedy, the facts in this situation indicate that the officer acted in response to a pressing and lethal active shooter scenario,” stated LPD Chief Seth Herman. “These actions adhered to the training provided by the LPD regarding the protection of innocent lives and were consistent with the strategies outlined in the state-required ALERRT course for law enforcement officers.”

Herman has also stated that the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office deemed the use of force justified and will not be filing charges against the officer.

In the meantime, the Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit is actively looking into the incident, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the initial 911 call. Officials reported that five additional individuals were hospitalized due to injuries that were not connected to the officer's interaction with Hastings.

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