Alleged Shooter in Longview Apartment Standoff Taken into Custody

LONGVIEW — Longview police have identified the alleged shooter in Thursday’s standoff at the Saddle Brook Apartments as Shayne Daniel Afzal, 20, of Longview. According to KETK, Public Information Office Kristie Brian said officers responded at 5:46 a.m. to an “unknown problem” call at the apartments, at 1400 H.G. Mosley Parkway. Police found there was a person in an apartment at the complex and there were believed to be gunshots from inside. Due to history, Brian said, officers were concerned, so they called in the SWAT team and negotiators. The suspect called 911 several times and during this time fired more rounds with his gun, according to police.

Police say they tried to speak with the gunman but that he refused to cooperate. The suspect reportedly began shooting from inside his apartment and at one point allegedly began firing toward SWAT officers. One of the officers shot back and hit the suspect, police say. Multiple gunshots and a flashbang were heard at the apartment complex around 10:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., according to media crews on scene. Police later reported using tear gas in the apartment. Officials say after a few minutes, a robot was sent inside the apartment to communicate with the gunman. During this time, authorities learned Afzal was injured. He then surrendered, was taken into custody, and was taken from the scene by ambulance. Police said the area would remain closed while the Texas Ranger investigate.

According to the Longview News-Journal, the Saddle Brook Apartments management said officers told them that shots were fired at one of the buildings in the complex earlier Thursday morning. No other injuries were reported. Meantime, Pine Tree ISD issued a statement while the incident was still in progress that read, in part, “Pine Tree ISD would like to notify you of a situation in a neighborhood near Pine Tree High School. We have limited our routine for the day. Within the confines of the high school campus, students and teachers are safe and classes will be held on a normal routine.”