Fort Worth Police Officer William Martin has been fired following an administrative investigation into an off-duty shooting that occurred in September, the department said.
“After a thorough review of Internal Affairs’ investigation, Officer Martin’s chain of command determined that the force used was unjustified,” Fort Worth police said in a news release.
Police Chief Neil Noakes agreed with this determination and terminated Martin’s employment on Friday, October 18, according to the press release. Martin had served on the Fort Worth Police Department for 19 years and was most recently assigned to the Support Bureau.
Martin called 911 on the afternoon of September 3 to report that someone had struck his personal car on Interstate 35 and then fled the scene. Martin, who was off duty at the time, followed the red pickup truck southbound on I-35W for several minutes.
When Martin’s vehicle and the pickup finally came to a stop, the pickup rammed Martin’s Honda, according to Martin’s signed statement. Martin said he fired his gun out of concern for his safety after he saw the pickup start moving forward.
The driver of the red pickup, Samuel Christopher, told police he was unaware he had collided with Martin’s vehicle. He saw Martin following him, but didn’t realize he was a police officer.
Doug Hafer, Christopher’s attorney, said Martin opened fire “while Mr. Christopher was moving away from Officer Martin and never toward him.”
According to Hafer, the shooting was nearly fatal and one of the bullets narrowly missed Christopher’s spine.
Martin was placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of a Major Case Unit investigation. They determined probable cause existed for the crime of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and Martin was arrested on September 20. He has been on seconded duty since then, police said.
In 2016, Martin was involved in the arrest of Jacqueline Craig. A video of the arrest that went viral showed Martin wrestling Craig to the ground after she called police during a dispute with a neighbor and Craig and the officer argued. Martin was suspended without pay for ten days after the incident. In 2022, the city agreed to pay Craig $150,000 to settle a lawsuit.
Following the September 3 shooting, Fort Worth residents and community activists have demanded that Martin be held accountable for his actions.
Councilman Chris Nettles told the Star-Telegram on Friday that he is grateful for Noakes’ decision to fire Martin.
“This is a page to turn for the city of Fort Worth, and to let our officers know that we will not tolerate this type of behavior,” Nettles said.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker also said in an emailed statement to the Star-Telegram that she supports Noakes’ decision.
“The relationship between our community and law enforcement is critical and our officers must demonstrate responsibility, professionalism and respect for the community they serve,” Parker said.
Harrison Mantas contributed to this report.
🚨 More top stories from our newsroom:
→ Neighbors continue to fight Mercy Culture plan for victim shelter
→ Facts and myths about gardens and landscapes in North Texas
→ A blue Texas? Dems are eyeing Allred, but what are the chances?
[Get our breaking news alerts.]
