Adrian Edward Guevara, Denton Man Dies in Officer-Involved Shooting — What Led to the Tragic Incident?

Authorities have identified the man who died in a police-involved shooting Sunday at North Lakes Park in Denton, Texas.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the victim as 25-year-old Adrian Edward Guevara, a resident of Denton. The medical examiner ruled his decease a homicide due to gunshot wounds.

According to the Denton Police Department, officers responded around 12:10 p.m. Sunday to the Denton Tennis and Pickleball Center after 911 callers requested a welfare check on an intoxicated man holding a metal rod and climbing a fence.

Police allege that Guevara threatened officers and charged at them while holding the rod. Officers attempted verbal de-escalation, and a Taser was deployed but had no effect. A second officer then discharged their firearm, striking Guevara. He was transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, where he was pronounced deceased at 1:14 p.m.

The officer who fired the weapon has been placed on administrative leave, and the incident is under investigation by both the department’s internal affairs unit and the Texas Rangers. Acting Police Chief Tony Salas stated that preliminary review indicates the use of deadly force was within department policy.

Records show Guevara had prior encounters with Denton police since 2019, including a 2024 arrest for retaliation against an officer, unrelated to the officers involved in Sunday’s incident.

Authorities have not released body camera footage, and the investigation remains ongoing.

💬 This incident raises questions for the community: what protocols and safeguards exist to prevent fatal outcomes during police encounters, and how can law enforcement and the public work together to ensure safety for all?

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Denton Police Department.