Troopers in Amarillo shot and killed Stacey Lerke, 49, early Monday after he came out of a crashed car holding a rifle that looked real. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the pursuit began about 3:45 a.m. when their units helped Amarillo police and the Potter County Sheriff’s Office.
Stacey kept driving and refused every order to stop. The chase ended near Skyline Drive and Angelus Drive when his vehicle wrecked. He stepped out carrying the weapon.
Commands came next. Drop the gun. He did not. Troopers opened fire. Medics and officers worked on him at the scene before the ambulance took him to the hospital. He did not survive the injuries.
Later checks showed the gun was only an airsoft rifle. DPS noted it looked identical to a real assault rifle from a distance.
The Texas Rangers are running the full investigation. Their report will go to the District Attorney’s Office once it is finished.
People who knew Stacey are dealing with the shock. They remember the times spent together and the everyday talk that now feels cut short.
Neighbors and others around Amarillo keep the focus on the facts as the review moves forward.
Leave a Reply