San Marcos police shooting leaves 1 dead after suspect lunges with knife, Texas Rangers investigating
SAN MARCOS, Texas - Texas Rangers are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a 25-year-old man dead Friday night after police said he lunged at an officer with a knife while officers attempted to serve felony arrest warrants at a San Marcos apartment complex.
San Marcos police respond to felony arrest warrants
What we know:
The shooting happened shortly before 8 p.m. Friday at an apartment complex in the 3000 block of State Highway 123.
According to the San Marcos Police Department, officers responded after receiving a report that Thomas Anthony Hawkins III, 25, who had multiple active felony warrants, was inside an apartment. Police said one of the warrants stemmed from a San Marcos investigation into an alleged assault involving family violence and impeding breath or circulation reported in February 2025. Authorities also confirmed felony warrants from Tarrant County for assault on a peace officer and from Bell County for continuous violence against the family.
Three officers went to the apartment and knocked several times, identifying themselves as police, officials said. An adult woman exited and confirmed Hawkins was inside with several adults and two children. She also told officers two firearms belonging to her and her partner were inside the apartment.
Police said the woman's partner, who is Hawkins' brother, exited carrying one of the children before returning inside to persuade Hawkins to come out.
While waiting, one officer moved to the ground level after seeing Hawkins briefly step onto an upstairs balcony and ordered him back inside, police said.
Standoff ends in fatal confrontation
What they're saying:
According to police, Hawkins was eventually escorted out of the apartment by his brother while holding a knife raised near his head. As Hawkins allegedly lunged toward an officer standing outside the apartment, that officer fired his weapon, striking him.
Police said Hawkins fell to the ground but remained in possession of the knife and began to roll over, prompting two additional officers to fire multiple rounds.
Officers handcuffed Hawkins and provided medical treatment before he was taken to Ascension Seton Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Hawkins' brother suffered abrasions to his arm and leg during the incident and was treated at the scene before being released. No officers or bystanders were injured.
Officers placed on leave as Texas Rangers investigate
What's next:
The two officers who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy. All three responding officers have been referred to a licensed professional counselor.
The Texas Department of Public Safety's Texas Rangers Division is leading the investigation alongside the San Marcos Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division. The Hays County District Attorney's Office also responded to the scene and remained there through the early morning hours.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
The Source: Information in this article is from the San Marcos Police Department.