SWAT suspect found dead with apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound | KVII

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Amarillo police are investigating what caused a SWAT situation in north Amarillo, which resulted in the death of the suspect.According to the Amarillo Police Department, around 11:00 Friday morning officers were sent to the 1100 block of N. Monroe on a sh

Amarillo police are investigating what caused a SWAT situation in north Amarillo, which resulted in the death of the suspect. (Amarillo Police Department)

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Amarillo police are investigating what caused a SWAT situation in north Amarillo, which resulted in the death of the suspect.

According to the Amarillo Police Department, around 11:00 Friday morning officers were sent to the 1100 block of N. Monroe on a shots fired call. Information given to officers was that a male shot at a female in car, and her children were with her.

However, according to police, that information turned out to be false. It was determined the shots were fired near the intersection of 12th and N. Monroe. Several witnesses heard those shots fired. Before police arrived, the suspected shooter was last seen in a vacant apartment complex at 1200 N. Monroe.

Police say a witness confirmed to officers the suspect was inside one of the apartments. The suspect, reported to be armed with a handgun, was identified as Wesley Wayne Ford. The victim reported earlier in the day Ford pointed a gun at her and possibly broke the window out of her car. According to police, Ford was also a suspect in an aggravated assault from the previous day where he fired a shot at the victim near Amarillo Blvd and Hughes.

At that point, officers contacted the SWAT Team to assist as well as more officers to establish a perimeter around the building. Ford was seen walking in and out of different apartments within the complex. A felony warrant was obtained for Ford's arrest for the shooting incident.

SWAT officers began introducing non-lethal chemical agent into the apartments while they searched for Ford. He was found deceased in an upstairs apartment with what officers say appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Special Crimes unit was dispatched to assist in the investigation. Police say CSIU was also called to process the scene.

Justice of the Peace Thomas Jones has ordered an autopsy, which is scheduled to be performed in Lubbock at 9:30 Monday morning.

According to police, Special Crimes is investigating and asks anyone with information to call 806-378-9468.