For Immediate Release
February 28, 2023
Update: MCTXSheriff Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Magnolia
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit was notified that 68-year-old James Cross passed away as a result of his injuries from the officer involved shooting that occurred on February 2, 2023.
The investigation remains ongoing and the case will be presented to a Montgomery County Grand Jury once the investigation is completed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and the Deputies that were involved in this tragic incident.
original Release
February 2, 2023
MCTXSheriff Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Magnolia
On February 2, 2023 at 12:45am, Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance call to the 31700 block of Oak Crossing in Magnolia, Texas. The 911 caller advised that two unknown males were outside the home with one of them armed with a long gun. The 911 caller provided a detailed description of the subject with the long gun, which was relayed to responding Deputies. The 911 caller advised he did not know the subject and urged for a quicker response because he feared someone would get shot. Two Deputies arrived and observed a male with a gun in the front yard matching the description the 911 caller provided. Deputies gave multiple commands to drop the weapon; however, the subject refused to comply and then pointed the gun in the direction of the Deputies. In fear for their lives, Deputies discharged their firearms, striking the subject multiple times. Deputies then provided life saving measures until EMS arrived. The subject was transported to a local hospital where he is expected to survive.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the 911 caller, a 68 year old male and the subject with the long gun are one and the same. The 911 caller provided a description of the clothing he was wearing and the location of the subject while describing himself as the trespasser with the long gun to the 911 operator.
Additionally, we have learned that the subject has symptoms of mental health issues that might have contributed to his behavior this night. The subject lives with family who were unaware of what was occurring until Deputies arrived.
This shooting is being investigated by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in tandem with Montgomery County District Attorney’s office and the Texas Rangers.
We are thankful that this tragic shooting did not result in the loss of life and ask for your thoughts and prayers for the family and Deputies who were involved.
Information Source
Specialist Stephen Walker
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
Administrative Services Division
