Kilgore off-duty officer no-billed after fatal shooting at Longview ER

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police department says a Kilgore off-duty police officer was no-billed after a fatal shooting at a Longview emergency room. According to our news partner KETK, authorities said a 61-year-old man died Nov. 27 after he allegedly pulled a gun on Sgt. Joshua Vercher and threatened him Vercher had a security job at Hospitality ER, and the altercation broke out in the parking lot around 9 p.m. “As the struggle intensified the officer pulled his weapon and fired in an attempt to stop the aggression, striking the suspect,” officials said in a prepared statement. “Immediately following the shooting the officer summoned ER staff who attempted life-saving measures.”

A Gregg County grand jury for the 124th District Court heard evidence and saw body camera footage of the incident before unanimously deciding on a no-bill for this case. This means the grand jury concluded there was not enough evidence to indict someone for an alleged crime. “It is extremely unfortunate that an individual lost his life during this encounter, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The investigation has revealed this individual was in a mental health crisis at the time of the encounter,” said Todd Hunter, Kilgore Chief of Police, also in a prepared statement. Officials additionally wanted to remind people that if they need help, they can call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.