PRESS RELEASE
CITY OF COMMERCE

MARTY CUNNINGHAM, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Commerce Police Department received 911transfer call from Greenville Police Department notifying us that a red mustang was firing shots at the Wesley Street bridge in Greenville.  3 shots were reported fired at that location.  Commerce Police Department intercepted the car on SH 24/50 just outside the city limits of Commerce.  The suspect pointed a gun at Commerce Officers and shots were exchanged between the two.  The suspect continued on to the Commerce Wal-Mart where he entered the front entrance of the store carrying a long gun and pistol.  An off duty officer from another agency saw the suspect as the suspect exited the front of the store.  He tried to detain the suspect and this is when gun shots between the off duty officer, Commerce Police Officers and the suspect began.  The suspect was shot and killed, while the off duty officer was wounded.  The off-duty officer has been air-lifted to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.  We are unsure of his injuries at this time.  2 individuals that were inside the Wal-Mart when shots were fired, have been transported to local hospitals for chest pains.