Man shot by police after 911 mix-up

Grand Prairie—A Grand Prairie man was shot by police early Friday morning after officers mistakenly responded to the wrong address while investigating a reported disturbance.

Police said they were dispatched to Holly Hill Drive just before 2 a.m. on Sept. 12, after a 911 caller’s cellphone provided an incorrect location to dispatchers. Officers knocked at the wrong house for about five minutes before the resident, Thomas Simpson, came out of his garage with a firearm.

According to police, Simpson took an aggressive stance and pointed his weapon. Officers, “fearing for their lives,” fired as many as eight rounds, striking Simpson in the leg. He was treated at the scene and later transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Grand Prairie Police Department said it has asked the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to pursue aggravated assault charges against Simpson. Simpson, meanwhile, has indicated he plans to file a lawsuit.

In prior reporting, Simpson said he dropped his weapon as soon as he realized the individuals outside were police officers.

The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Officer-Involved Shooting Team is leading an independent investigation. The department’s Office of Professional Standards will also conduct an internal review.

Simpson has declined further media interviews at the advice of his legal counsel. The Grand Prairie Police Department did not respond to a request for comment by press time.