An Arlington firefighter shot through an apartment door during a wellness check in southeast Arlington early Friday was in critical, but stable condition, according to police and fire officials.
Fire Chief Bret Stidham said Brady Weaver, a firefighter with the department for 6 years, was able to eat and speak this morning.
“It’s going to be a long recovery for Brady and so we just ask everyone for their continued prayers and thoughts, not only for him, but our family – our fire family,” Stidham said.
Weaver was one of six emergency responders who conducted a wellness check at 12:43 a.m. Friday at Bardin Greene Apartments. A neighbor reported children crying for their mother to wake up for an extended period of time.
Assistant Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said officers announced themselves 17 times as officials conducting a wellness check. After five minutes while they heard the children call for their mother, fire officials began breaching the door. Police say a man inside shot through the closed door and struck Weaver.
McGuire said the man thought a burglar was at the door, not officers, and told his girlfriend to dial 911 as he approached the door. The couple, as well as two children, exited the apartment when officers ordered them out.
The man, who has not yet been identified, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. The suspect had previous charges. McGuire said the department will work with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office before issuing more charges.
Officers detained the man suspected of shooting Weaver for questioning, and investigators will consult with the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office to determine whether to file criminal charges.
Stidham said bulletproof vests are optional for firefighters on welfare check calls, and Weaver did not wear one. Stidham said responders handled the check appropriately.
“I don’t feel like they made any decision that I wouldn’t have made or that I haven’t made in my career,” he said.
McGuire said police were working on a search warrant as of Friday as the case investigation continues.
“This is a very unique circumstance, but it is our job as police officers, public safety officials, as investigators to ensure all the facts are credible as we know them,” McGuire said.
Got a tip? Email Kailey Broussard at kbroussard@kera.org.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
