Cuero officer placed on administrative duties after suspect shooting death

A Cuero police officer has been placed on administrative duties until an investigation can be conducted into a shooting which took place Sunday, Jan. 22, in the 400 block of West Hamilton Street.

Officers responded to the area at 4:15 p.m. Sunday in regards to a disturbance with a firearm involved. They quickly located the suspect and a standoff ensued in the middle of the roadway. Police attempted to negotiate with the 44-year-old male suspect — later identified as Patrick J. Boatwright, 44, of Cuero — and eventually deployed less-than-lethal tactics in an effort to resolve the situation, but the suspect fled the scene on foot.

As he was being pursued by officers, Boatwright reportedly discharged a firearm in the direction of the officers, at which time one of the Cuero Police Department officers discharged his service weapon, striking Boatwright one time.

Already requested to stage nearby, EMS arrived to the scene and began lifesaving procedures shortly after the suspect was detained. Boatwright was transported to Cuero Regional Hospital, but later died from his injury.

The Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers Division is now investigating and reviewing the incident and will, upon completion, present the case to the DeWitt County District Attorney’s Office for a grand jury review. The officer will remain on administrative duties until the investigation is concluded.

The Cuero Police Department was assisted on scene by both the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office and the Yoakum Police Department.