A 42-year-old Bay City man faces several charges after confronting Matagorda and Wharton law enforcement officers and threatening them with a weapon at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds around 9 p.m. Friday, May 16.
According to Bay City police, two Bay City officers, along with an El Campo police officer and a Wharton County Sheriff’s deputy were working an extra employment job at the Fairgrounds.
After a small fireworks display, a resident of the nearby Nichols Square Apartments, walked across the street and started to curse at workers at the Fairgrounds, reports show.
Officers attempted to approach the man, when he pulled a gun on all of the officers.
Officers unholstered their weapons and talked Templeton into putting his gun away, Bay City police said.
As officers got closer to Templeton to take him into custody, he got into a fighting stance, reports show.
He pushed and hit the first officers.
Officers eventually were able to get the man onto the ground and he was disarmed and handcuffed.
James Templeton, 42, was transported to the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Jail where he was booked on four counts of aggravated assault against public servant and resisting arrest search or transport deadly weapon, police reports indicate.
“I am extremely grateful that our officers were able to de-escalate the situation without a single shot being fired,” said Police Chief Christella Rodriguez.
“Their professionalism, courage, and restraint are commendable and a true reflection of the training and dedication our agencies strive for,” the chief said.
“Let me be very clear - we will not tolerate anyone pulling a weapon on our officers or threatening their lives,” Rodriguez added.
“Such actions are not only dangerous but completely unacceptable.
“We are thankful for the safe outcome and that all officers went home unharmed.
“I commend everyone involved for their calm and decisive response in a potentially deadly encounter.”
