Dallas Police Officer Fatally Shoots Armed Suspect During Narcotics Warrant Service

Dallas, TX – A Dallas police officer shot and killed a man on February 19, 2026, while serving a narcotics warrant in West Dallas, according to Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux. The incident occurred in the 1000 block of Shaw Street.

Details of the Shooting

SWAT officers were executing a narcotics search warrant when they encountered 26-year-old Matthew Leija. Chief Comeaux stated that as officers approached the second story of the residence, they announced their presence with flashbangs and a verbal warning. When officers reached the front door, Leija opened it and immediately pointed a gun at an officer, prompting the officer to fire multiple shots.

A SWAT doctor on-site attempted to save Leija’s life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. No police officers were injured during the incident. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.

Suspect Identified, Children Found Safe

The suspect has been identified as Matthew Leija, a known drug dealer in Dallas. Two infant children were found unharmed inside the residence and were subsequently turned over to their mother following a response from Child Protective Services.

Evidence Recovered

During the search, police recovered multiple firearms, methamphetamine, marijuana, and pills believed to be laced with fentanyl. The DEA task force detained and interviewed family members present at the residence. The Lewisville Police Department assisted in the operation, as the warrant was connected to an ongoing LPD criminal investigation. Dallas News reported on the collaboration between the departments.

Ongoing Investigation

The Dallas County District Attorney and the Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit are continuing to investigate the incident. This marks the fourth officer-involved shooting in Dallas for 2026. NBC DFW will provide updates during a news conference on February 23, 2026.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and information is subject to change as forensic evidence, witness statements, and video footage are reviewed. MSN reported on the initial details of the shooting.