Family Demands Answers After Man Dies Following Confrontation with Mesquite Police

Willie Rose's daughter says body camera footage shows officer punching her father over a dozen times after a shoplifting call.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The family of 55-year-old Willie Rose is seeking answers after he died following a "brief physical confrontation" with a Mesquite, Texas police officer. Rose's daughter Chasity said body camera footage showed the officer tackling Rose to the ground and punching him more than a dozen times after a shoplifting call at a Family Dollar store. Mesquite police say they will release the video as part of a critical incident briefing, but a date has not been set.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about the use of force by police, especially in cases involving minor alleged crimes. The family believes the officer's actions were excessive and led to Rose's death, highlighting ongoing debates around police accountability and the need for de-escalation training.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Rose was part of a group accused of stealing $175 worth of items from a Family Dollar store. Mesquite police say they followed Rose's vehicle and conducted a "high risk traffic stop" in Dallas. Chasity Rose says the body camera footage shows the officer aggressively approaching the car and her father struggling to follow commands due to a knee injury and asthma. The video then shows the officer tackling Rose and punching him repeatedly after he tried to run away.

  • The incident occurred on December 29, 2025.
  • Mesquite police say they will release the body camera footage as part of a critical incident briefing, but a date has not been set.

The players

Willie Rose

A 55-year-old man who died following a confrontation with a Mesquite police officer.

Chasity Rose

Willie Rose's daughter, who says the body camera footage shows the officer using excessive force against her father.

Mesquite Police Department

The police department that was involved in the incident and says it will release the body camera footage at a later date.

Dallas Police Department

The department that is investigating Willie Rose's death.

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What they’re saying

“It was hard to watch. He killed him.”

— Chasity Rose, Willie Rose's daughter (wfaa.com)

“The officer pounds him maybe eight, nine more times after that.”

— Chasity Rose, Willie Rose's daughter (wfaa.com)

“I want justice for my daddy.”

— Chasity Rose, Willie Rose's daughter (wfaa.com)

What’s next

Mesquite police say they will release the body camera footage as part of a critical incident briefing, but a date has not been set. The Dallas Police Department is continuing its investigation into Willie Rose's death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has renewed calls for greater police accountability and de-escalation training, especially when responding to minor alleged crimes. The family's demand for justice highlights the ongoing need to address the use of excessive force by law enforcement.