Two doctors killed, suspect arrested following dental clinic shooting

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says two doctors shot at a dental clinic on Wednesday have died. They were identified as Dr. Blake G. Sinclair, 59, and Dr. Jack E. Burroughs,75, both of Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Steven Alexander Smith, 40, of Tyler, was booked into the Smith County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and capital murder of multiple persons. His bond was set at $3 million. Smith was said to be a patient at the clinic. The Sheriff’s Office received a call around 2:45 p.m. about a shooting at Affordable Dentures and Implants on 3081 Hwy 31 East. When deputies arrived they saw two men had gunshot wounds. According to an investigation, Smith got angry at clinic staff and went to his pickup truck.

He later came back to the lobby area of the clinic, took out a handgun, and shot two doctors inside, said the sheriff’s office. “[He] went out and retrieved medium caliber pistol from his vehicle returned inside and started shooting, both of the victims were on the floor just inside the entry door,” said Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith. He later fled and headed west on Hwy 31 toward Tyler. A witness told authorities the vehicle’s description and plate number. Some minutes later a deputy saw the suspect pulling into the driveway of his residence in South Tyler. Smith went into his residence and deputies and Tyler Police Department officers established a perimeter around the house.

Smith County SWAT, Tyler PD SWAT and Smith County Negotiators responded to the scene. Several minutes later Smith’s parents came out from the residence. Smith followed after and was arrested. “The suspect did come out with his hands up and gave up without incident that’s a good thing,” said Andy Erbaugh, Tyler Police Department.

Affordable Dentures and Implants issued the following statement Thursday: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and hold Dr. Burroughs and Dr. Sinclair and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. Our immediate focus is on supporting our employees, our patients and the families of those impacted by this horrific event. We are grateful to law enforcement for their bravery and professionalism in the face of senseless violence and will do whatever we can to assist them. In the meantime, we request that the public please respect the privacy of those affected.”