Stafford SWAT Standoff: New details released after 2 people were found dead

Two found dead after Stafford SWAT standoff, police say

Two people have died after a standoff involving a barricaded suspect on Lawrence Lane. FOX 26's Jade Flury reports.

NEW DETAILS

STAFFORD, Texas - The Stafford Police Department has released updated information following a standoff that occurred on September 3 in the 13000 block of Lawrence Lane. 

According to officials, an autopsy was conducted on the suspect. 

Officials said, the suspect, 35-year-old Adrian Mercado, died as a result of a gunshot wound inflicted by a Stafford Police Officer. Initial reports suggesting the possibility of self-inflicted wounds have been clarified by this finding. 

The Texas Rangers, along with the Fort Bend District Attorney's Office, are continuing to investigate the incident. 

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Stafford police officers were at the scene of a deadly SWAT standoff in the southwestern Houston area early Thursday morning.

According to authorities, the suspect, 35-year-old Adrian Mercardo, was barricaded inside a residence in the 13700 block of Lawrence Lane.

2 dead after SWAT standoff in Stafford

What we know:

According to Stafford Police Department Lieutenant Luciano Lopez, on Wednesday evening around 9:55 p.m., a father walked into the police station and informed them his son, Mercado, killed someone at the address above and was still at the home, armed and dangerous.

When officers arrived, they found a man, now identified as Thomas Goodson, 32, dead in the backyard from what appeared to be a gunshot. The victim was wrapped in a blanket and underneath a piece of plywood, according to police.

Officers believed Mercado was no longer at the scene and set up a perimeter. Missouri City Police Department arrived with a K-9 to assist in the search. Police say the suspect was actually inside the home during their search and began shooting at them.

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Stafford police say when the suspect opened fire, an officer was hit in the abdomen area. However, the officer was not injured as the bullet was stopped by the officer's radio. The officer was taken away from the scene.

Officers maintained a perimeter and the suspect continued shooting for about an hour and a half. At that point, East Fort Bend County Regional SWAT was called to the scene for assistance. The immediate streets of Lawrence and Betty Lane were asked to evacuate, officials say.

A Stafford police officer shot a round at the suspect, but it is not confirmed if it hit Mercardo. Stafford authorities believe the suspect's injuries were self-inflicted, but are still investigating.

Lt. Lopez reports the line of fire was towards Stafford Road and there were no homes in that direction, just an open field.

Neighbors react

What they're saying:

Neighbors in the area told FOX 26 that this has never happened in the community.

Other say they knew Adrian, and that he and Thomas grew up together.

"[Adrian's] kind of like a neighbor friend," said Peter Bodner. "When I needed a tire change, he'd come and help. Whenever you needed help, he'd come help you."

Police react

The other side:

"Last night’s events emphasize the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to violent situations," said Lt. Lopez. "We are grateful that no officers were seriously injured, and our thoughts remain with the victim’s family during this tragic time. We appreciate the assistance of our local law enforcement partners and the community’s patience as this investigation continues."