Coleman – At the request of the Coleman Police Department (CPD), the Texas Rangers are now investigating a use of force incident that occurred on Sept. 21, 2022, involving a CPD officer.

Around 10:00 a.m., the CPD officer responded to the intersection of West Mesquite and South Nueces in Coleman for a report of a man threatening people with a sword. Upon contacting the subject, he threatened then charged at the officer while still in possession of the sword. The officer discharged his service weapon, and the suspect was injured.

The subject has been identified as 50-year-old Santos Mendoza III, from Coleman. He was taken to a local hospital for a minor injury and then placed in the Coleman County Jail on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. The officer has been placed on administrative leave, as is standard procedure.

The Texas Rangers investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available currently.