ABILENE, Texas — UPDATE (9:30 a.m. May 7): The Abilene Police Department identified John Keeney Dutton, 70, as the man with a 'bladed weapon' who reportedly threatened grocery store employees and customers, then demanded money from the register before being shot officers Monday.
Dutton's name was released after next of kin notification was made.
ORIGINAL STORY: A man with a 'bladed weapon' who reportedly threatened grocery store employees and customers, then demanded money from the register was shot and killed by Abilene Police Monday afternoon.
The Abilene Police Department said officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at around 2 p.m. Monday at the United Supermarkets location at 920 N. Willis St. Store employees say man, who was not identified by police, was threatening employees and customers with a 'bladed weapon.' A cashier also told police the man had demanded money from the register.
When the man eventually left the store, employees locked the door behind him to keep him from coming back in and help keep employees and customers safe.
Officers found the man outside the store, still holding the weapon. APD says the man did not comply with multiple commands from officers to surrender his weapon. One officer deployed a Taser, but it did not have any effect on him.
That's when officers fired on their weapons, striking him.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene by a Justice of the Peace.
Two APD officers will be placed on paid administrative leave per departmental policy. The incident is being investigated concurrently with the Texas Rangers.
The department said the suspect's name will be released pending next of kin notification. No other injuries were reported in the incident.
This is a developing story. More information will be posted as it becomes available from either the Abilene Police Department or the Texas Department of Public Safety.
