Hood County deputies fatally shoot man accused of online threats

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Hood County deputies fatally shot a 67-year-old man last week after he allegedly made terroristic threats toward law enforcement officials on social media and then raised a gun toward a woman outside his home. Police had obtained a warrant for terroristic threats and set up surveillance near the man's home, leading to the deadly confrontation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to online threats and the potential for escalation when suspects are armed. It also raises questions about the use of force by police and the protocols for handling individuals who make threats on social media.

The details

According to the police statement, officers obtained a warrant for terroristic threats after finding multiple social media posts where the man, identified as Don Marlow, was allegedly encouraging others to shoot officers. When police attempted to contact Marlow, he walked out of his home with a gun and later raised it toward a woman outside, leading deputies to open fire.

• On Friday, Granbury police received a message from Marlow through the department's Facebook page 'threatening violence' toward law enforcement.
• Around 10 a.m. on the day of the incident, Granbury and Hood County officers obtained a warrant and set up surveillance near Marlow's home.
• Around 6:27 p.m., officers saw Marlow walking in and out of his home with a gun and what appeared to be a pistol in a holster.
• About 10 minutes later, Marlow walked onto his balcony and raised his gun toward a woman walking outside, leading Hood County deputies to fire their weapons.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Texas Department of Transportation's Texas Rangers have been called to conduct an investigation into the incident.