Mesquite, Texas, December 21, 2025

Dallas police encountered an armed suspect linked to a recent murder following a traffic stop near Town East Mall in Mesquite. After the suspect exited his vehicle with a weapon, gunfire ensued, resulting in the suspect’s death. The incident prompted immediate investigations by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and local police, while community members voiced their concerns, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season.

Mesquite, Texas

Dallas police fatally shot a murder suspect near Town East Mall in Mesquite on Saturday, December 20, 2025, following a traffic stop that escalated into an armed confrontation.

Incident Details

At approximately 10:15 a.m., Dallas police responded to a shooting in the 9000 block of Markville Drive, where a woman had been shot. She was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The suspect fled the scene. Around 11:45 a.m., Dallas officers conducting surveillance located the suspect in a vehicle near the 18500 block of LBJ Freeway in Mesquite and initiated a felony traffic stop. The suspect exited the vehicle armed, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was struck by gunfire and died at the scene. No officers were injured. The suspect’s identity has not been released. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Community Police Oversight responded to the scene and will conduct their own investigations. Mesquite police will investigate the officer-involved shooting.

Background

Mesquite, a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, has experienced several notable incidents in recent years. In August 2023, a shooting at Town East Mall resulted in one person injured and a suspect arrested. In March 1993, convenience store clerk Pete Shrum was fatally shot during a robbery at a Diamond Shamrock gas station in Mesquite. The crime was recorded by security cameras, leading to the identification and conviction of the perpetrators.

Traffic Impact

The shooting led to significant traffic disruptions in the area. The east service road of I-635 between Towne Centre and Town East Mall was closed for the duration of the investigation, causing delays on northbound lanes of I-635 and westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 80.

Investigation

The Dallas Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation, while Mesquite police will investigate the officer-involved shooting. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Community Police Oversight are also involved in the investigation. Further details will be provided as the investigations progress.

Community Response

Local residents expressed concern over the incident, especially given the proximity to the busy Town East Mall during the holiday shopping season. Shoppers and employees reported heightened awareness and caution following the event.

Related Incidents

In August 2023, a shooting at Town East Mall resulted in one person injured and a suspect arrested. In March 1993, convenience store clerk Pete Shrum was fatally shot during a robbery at a Diamond Shamrock gas station in Mesquite. The crime was recorded by security cameras, leading to the identification and conviction of the perpetrators.

Conclusion

The recent incident in Mesquite highlights the ongoing challenges related to public safety, especially during peak shopping seasons. As investigations progress, community engagement and vigilance will be critical in fostering a safe environment for residents and visitors alike. Support for local law enforcement and an emphasis on community resilience are essential as Mesquite continues to navigate its public safety landscape.

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS 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.