NO CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR GIDDINGS POLICE OFFICER WHO SHOT, KILLED STABBING SUSPECT
GRAND JURY FINDS OFFICER'S USE OF DEADLY FORCE JUSTIFIED
A Giddings police officer who shot and killed a man said to have stabbed four people will not face any criminal charges.
Last week, the Lee County Grand Jury met to review the evidence from the Texas Rangers’ investigation of the shooting of Derrick Canada by Sergeant James Catchings. Sgt. Catchings fatally shot Canada the morning of June 23rd, after police said Canada stabbed four people around town.
After reviewing evidence, the Grand Jury determined that Sgt. Catchings’ use of deadly force in this instance was justified, and took no action.
Giddings Police Chief Haril Walpole has been notified of the Grand Jury’s decision and has reported the shooting to the Texas Attorney General, as required by law. The family of Canada has also been advised.
Giddings police previously said Sgt. Catchings, who was not immediately identified at the time, was approached by Canada with knife in hand as he arrived at the scene.
Police said Sgt. Catchings gave multiple commands for Canada to drop his weapon, but he continued to move towards him as he retreated and stumbled backwards onto the ground. He then fired his duty weapon, striking Canada three times. Canada was pronounced dead at the scene.
The officer’s patrol car dash camera captured the encounter. Sgt. Catchings was placed on administrative leave after the incident.
All four victims, who were said to be random, survived the attack after being treated at Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin.