What happened at the scene?

A standoff began after officers responded to a disturbance call; a man armed with a knife confronted officers, retreated into a home, and later charged at SWAT officers, who shot him. The suspect later died.

When and where did this occur?

The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday in the 13800 block of Far Hills Drive in Dallas.

The armed suspect died from injuries sustained during the shooting. No officers or bystanders were reported injured.

Were any de-escalation methods used?

Officers attempted negotiation and deployed a taser in two attempts; the taser deployments were ineffective prior to the suspect charging at officers.

Is an investigation underway?

Yes. The Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit is investigating, and the Office of Community Police Oversight and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office have been notified.

September 10, 2025

Fatal Standoff in Southeast Dallas Ends in Shooting

Dallas, September 10, 2025

News Summary

A late-night standoff in southeast Dallas resulted in a fatal shooting as a man armed with a knife charged at police officers. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, officers from the Dallas SWAT team were forced to use lethal force after the suspect, identified as Martin James Benes, attacked. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred after police responded to a disturbance call. No injuries were reported among officers or bystanders.

Dallas

Fatal standoff ends after suspect charges officers with knife

A late-night standoff in southeast Dallas ended in a fatal shooting after a man armed with a knife charged at police officers, authorities said. The confrontation took place around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday in the 13800 block of Far Hills Drive. The man, identified by police as Martin James Benes, was shot by Dallas SWAT officers after attempts to de-escalate and disable him failed. Benes died from his injuries; no officers or bystanders were injured.

Incident summary

Police responded to a disturbance call involving threats and suicidal statements inside a home. Upon arrival, officers were met at the door by a woman who requested help. After assisting the woman to safety, Benes emerged from the residence holding a knife. He initially confronted officers before retreating back into the house and barricading himself.

When officers were unable to resolve the situation through standard negotiation, the Dallas SWAT team was called to the scene. SWAT members made repeated efforts to persuade Benes to surrender peacefully. Less-lethal force was attempted, including two taser deployments that were ineffective in stopping the suspect. During the standoff Benes charged at officers with the knife, prompting the use of lethal force. Officers provided immediate medical treatment on scene, but Benes succumbed to his injuries.

Legal and procedural details

Police confirmed that Benes had an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon involving family violence. Family members who spoke to authorities expressed concerns about Benes’ mental health and described him as being in an erratic state prior to the incident. The Dallas Police Department said the matter is under review by its Special Investigations Unit. The Office of Community Police Oversight and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office have been notified and will receive reports as part of the review process.

Safety and casualties

No officers or other members of the public were reported injured during the confrontation. First responders provided on-scene medical care to the wounded suspect, but he later died from his injuries. Authorities did not indicate any additional arrests connected to the incident.

Next steps in the investigation

The police investigation will examine the sequence of events, the use of less-lethal options, and the justification for the use of deadly force. The Special Investigations Unit typically collects body-camera footage, witness statements, officer reports, and forensic evidence; that collected material will be reviewed by internal investigators and by the district attorney’s office according to established procedures. Officials said additional details are expected to be released in the coming days.

Context

Standoffs that involve armed, barricaded subjects often progress from conventional patrol response to specialized tactical teams when negotiations and de-escalation do not succeed. Law enforcement agencies generally follow a layered approach: isolate the scene, communicate and negotiate, use less-lethal options when appropriate, and apply lethal force only when officers reasonably perceive an imminent threat to life. Mental health concerns, outstanding warrants, and the presence of a weapon are common complicating factors that shape tactical decisions in these incidents.

Public information

Authorities have not released full body-camera footage or a detailed timeline beyond the initial account of events. The offices handling oversight and prosecution will review all evidence before releasing further findings or determining whether the use of force was consistent with policy and law.

FAQ

What happened at the scene?: A standoff began after officers responded to a disturbance call; a man armed with a knife confronted officers, retreated into a home, and later charged at SWAT officers, who shot him. The suspect later died.
When and where did this occur?: The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday in the 13800 block of Far Hills Drive in Dallas.
Was anyone injured?: The armed suspect died from injuries sustained during the shooting. No officers or bystanders were reported injured.
Were any de-escalation methods used?: Officers attempted negotiation and deployed a taser in two attempts; the taser deployments were ineffective prior to the suspect charging at officers.
Is an investigation underway?: Yes. The Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit is investigating, and the Office of Community Police Oversight and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office have been notified.
Were there any legal issues involving the suspect?: Police confirmed an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon involving family violence against the suspect.

Key incident features

Outcome (Fatalities)

Officers injured

Taser attempts

Outstanding warrants

SWAT deployment

Yes

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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