Mesquite police chief fires officer involved in shooting

MESQUITE, Texas - The Mesquite police chief fired an officer who shot a man who was wrongfully suspected of burglary.

Officer Derick Wiley told the department he thought Lyndo Jones was breaking into a truck. It was actually Jones’ truck.

The two got into a fight that ended with the shooting. Jones survived.

The chief said the officer violated department policy.

A Dallas County grand jury will review the shooting to decide if criminal charges are justified.

A lawyer for Jones said the family reacted to the news with guarded optimism.

Attorney Lee Merritt blasted Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson for not filing criminal charges against Wiley and instead of sending the case to a grand jury.

He added that Jones’ family is thankful for the support of the community.