Arlington firefighter shot during welfare check at apartment

ARLINGTON, Texas - An Arlington firefighter was shot in the chest at an apartment complex while responding to a call early Friday morning.

The shooting happened before 1 a.m. at the Bardin Greene Apartments off of I-20 and Matlock Road.

Arlington Police, Fire and American Medical Response personnel were called to the apartment complex after a resident called 911.

The resident told police she had heard children crying in a nearby apartment, calling for their mother to wake up.

"Crying for an extended period of time, calling for their mother to wake up, wake up, and open the door," said Arlington Assistant Police Chief Tarrick McGuire.

When officers arrived, they knocked on the door and announced themselves for more than five minutes, but did not get a response, according to police.

Police said they could hear children's voices continuing to call for their mother to wake up.

"They announced themselves as police 17 times, trying to communicate that they were there to try to make sure everyone was okay. Concerned that there was someone inside, who was injured, unresponsive, or in need of medical attention," said McGuire.

First responders decided to force their way into the apartment using a breaching tool.

"Arlington firefighters are equipped with tools used to breach doors, so they began to work on the door to get inside the apartment," explained McGuire. "While they were doing that, officers continued to announce themselves."

As fire crews tried to force open the door, a single shot was fired from inside the apartment, hitting firefighter Brady Weaver.

"As the door was being breached by the firefighter with the breaching tool the person fired the weapon, the bullet goes through the door and strikes the firefighter," explained McGuire.

Weaver was taken to Medical City Arlington in serious condition.

"He appears to be in good spirits, and is alert," said Arlington Fire Chief Bret Stidham.

Arlington police say Weaver is stable and his condition is improving.

A man, woman and two children exited the apartment without further incident.

Demetric Brooks, 27, is charged with aggravated assault and other outstanding charges while the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office reviews the case.

"Facts that our investigators know at this time is that the subject was sleeping inside the residence with his girlfriend, and they woke up hearing first responders, trying to breach the door. Thinking that someone was trying to break in, he fired a shot and had his girlfriend call 911. We have confirmed that the girlfriend did call 911," explained McGuire.

The fire chief says firefighters, in certain volatile situations, are required to wear protective vests. He added that this was not deemed one of those times. 

"Like Chief McGuire said, they didn’t feel like they were in any danger," said Stidham.

Weaver has worked for the Arlington Fire Department for the last 6 years.

Both departments are asking for continued prayers for firefighter Weaver.