CITY OF COMMERCE
PRESS RELEASE

MARCH 8, 2010
12:45 P.M.

MARTY CUNNINGHAM
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Following yesterday’s shooting at Commerce Wal-Mart, Delta County Deputy Paul Robertson is being released from East Texas Medical Center in Tyler today. 

The lone gunman in yesterday’s incident is being identified as 29 year old Artenio Rodriguez from the Commerce area.  Investigators with the Texas Rangers along with Commerce Police Department are conducting an ongoing investigation in the matters surrounding this incident.   

According to the 911 tapes, Rodriguez was seen in nearby Greenville, firing shots into the air before traveling to Commerce.  Commerce Police Officers were able to intercept the vehicle along SH 24/50 just outside the Commerce City limits where Rodriguez opened fire on Commerce Officers.  Commerce Officers returned fire at this time but were unable to stop the vehicle.  Rodriguez continued to Wal-Mart where he exited his car and entered the front entrance of Wal-Mart displaying a rifle and a pistol.  Here is where Deputy Robertson spotted the gunman, identified himself as law enforcement and ordered Rodriguez to drop his weapons.  After failing to do so, Rodriguez opened fire on Deputy Robertson.  Commerce Police Officers were on scene and were able to take Rodriguez down immediately before anyone else could get hurt.

Commerce Chief of Police Kerry Crews quoted:  “The incident that took place at the Commerce Wal-Mart Supercenter is unfortunate. However, the quick response and action by Commerce Police and off duty Deputy Paul Robertson eliminated injuries to innocent bystanders.  Officers train for this type of incident in hopes of never having to use that training.  The officers involved had to use their training and experience and were able to overcome the threat.  Without the quick thinking of Deputy Paul Robertson I believe that more people could have been injured.

A thorough investigation is being conducted by Commerce Police Department and the Texas Rangers.

I would like to thank Sheriff Randy Meeks with the Hunt County Sheriff’s Department, and Chief Harold Roseberry for the assistance they provided from their departments.  An incident of this magnitude tests the resources a small department has.  If we didn’t have assistance from both Hunt County SO and Greenville PD it would have been more difficult to manage.”

Victims that were present during the shooting are encouraged to contact The Crisis Center of North East Texas for counseling.  They can be reached at 903-454-9999.

Due to the ongoing investigation and the nature of the incident, 911 tapes and police video will not be released until the investigation is complete.