Update to Officer Involved Shooting on Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard

Press Release

For Immediate Release

February 19, 2018

UPDATE – February 24, 2020

To provide more information on the officer involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the driver, Paris Lamar Hunter, 29, was stopped by the officer for Obscured License Plate in violation of Texas Traffic Code. 

During the stop, which lasted for approximately three and half minutes, the officer observed furtive movements of both occupants.  As he approached the driver’s side and began communications with Hunter, he partially opened the door and the officer immediately pushed the door closed.  The officer explained the reason for the stop and he observed marijuana remnants on both of the occupants.  The officer repeatedly told both Hunter and the passenger to keep their hands where he could see them.  The officer continued with multiple commands to Hunter, asking him to place his hands on the steering wheel and to turn off the vehicle.   During the commands, Hunter opened the door a second time and the officer pushed the door closed.  Hunter was told multiple times to place his hands on the steering wheel and the passenger was told to place her hands on the dash in front of her.  Due to the driver and passenger failing to comply with the officers’ commands, the officer radioed dispatch to have backup sent immediately.  As a backup unit approached with its sirens and lights activated, Hunter lunged his body through the opened driver side window towards the officer.  The officer stepped back and discharged his duty weapon, striking Hunter once in the upper left shoulder.

The backup officer arrived, called for EMS and immediately began first aid on Hunter.   EMS arrived and transported Hunter to Baylor Scott & White in Temple.  During medical treatment, medical staff located and removed a baggie with suspected crack cocaine wedged in between his buttocks.    

A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun and suspected narcotics to include crack cocaine, marijuana and MDMA (ecstasy), which is pending lab results.   

On Thursday, February 20, 2020, a complaint was issued by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office charging Paris Lamar Hunter with Possession of a Controlled Substance over 4 grams under 200 grams.  

The passenger, Morgan Alexandria Cleveland, 23, was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Harris County for Prostitution, Fail to Identify Fugitive and Possession of Marijuana under 2 oz.  

The officer involved, Devonte Johnson, has been with the department for 3 years.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Texas Rangers and the Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit continues its administrative review. 

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On February 18, 2020, at approximately 10:15 p.m., a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Veteran’s Memorial and Conder Street.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the officer observed two occupants and suspected narcotics.  The driver repeatedly failed to comply with officer commands to show his hands and the officer requested immediate assistance.  As the situation progressed, the driver appeared to try to exit the vehicle, opening the door into the officer, who pushed the door closed.  As the situation continued to develop, the officer discharged his weapon.

The driver was transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple with non-life threatening injuries. The passenger was taken into custody for an unrelated warrant.

The Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and Internal Affairs Unit responded to the scene and requested the assistance of the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers for an independent investigation.  In accordance with policy, the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative review and the Texas Rangers will lead the primary investigation into this incident.  This investigation is in its infancy.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to the Texas Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer.

As per protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department