GLADEWATER, Texas — Authorities have identified the woman who was fatally shot during a deputy-involved incident Monday night in Gladewater as 43-year-old Amanda Allen. According to the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), the confrontation occurred when deputies and local police attempted to arrest Allen, who was allegedly connected to drug trafficking activities. The incident has now prompted a state-level investigation.
The GCSO reported that the encounter began around 10:30 p.m. on October 6 near a restaurant located in the 1100 block of East Broadway Avenue. Deputies, assisted by officers from the Gladewater Police Department, attempted to stop Allen, who was reportedly driving a vehicle linked to a drug investigation. Officials said that Allen tried to evade law enforcement, leading to a tense and rapidly escalating situation in the restaurant parking lot.
According to investigators, Allen allegedly used her vehicle to collide with a Gregg County patrol unit during the attempted arrest. Authorities stated that a deputy opened fire to protect fellow officers from potential harm. Allen was struck by gunfire, and deputies immediately provided life-saving medical assistance at the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived. She was later transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that no deputies or police officers were seriously injured in the incident. The damaged patrol vehicle was towed away for inspection as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not said how many rounds were fired or whether Allen was armed at the time of the shooting. Witnesses in the area were questioned, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed to establish a clear timeline of events.
The Texas Rangers have taken over the investigation, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in the state. Their role will be to independently review all evidence, including body camera footage and forensic reports, to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified. Once complete, their findings will be presented to the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office for legal review and any potential action.
Officials with the GCSO have expressed condolences to Allen’s family and emphasized their commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation. As of Tuesday, the Texas Rangers continued to collect evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. Updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.