5 Temple Police Officers Placed on Paid Leave After Shooting

The shooting of Jerry Lee Berry of Temple during an armed standoff last weekend has reached the investigatory stage.

As standard protocol, the Temple Police Department has placed five officers on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into the shooting.

The Temple Police Department released a statement of events this week, confirming that the Texas Rangers, along with internal investigators within the department, continue to investigate the case. In an update Wednesday, Officer Shawana Neely said Berry faces three charges of aggravated assault against a public servant, one charge of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a felony, and a charge of felony possession of a firearm.

To re-cap: Saturday, June 3rd, around 9:30 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the area of South 17th street and West Ave "G" in Temple that involved shots being fired. Mr. Berry was seen firing a weapon without regard to public safety. When the police arrived, Mr. Berry fled. During the chase, Mr. Berry shot at the police officers on three separate occaions, with officers returning fire each time.

Mr. Berry then forced his way into a residence with the homeowner still inside. Berry went up to the attic while the homeowner escaped through a window.

The TPD Swat Team entered said residence to apprehend Mr. Berry after several hours of failed communication from the Crisis Negotiators Unit.

The team found Berry hiding behind some insulation. He was ordered to show his hands and surrender. Instead, he moved his hands in a manner the officers perceived to be a threat. SWAT officers fired, striking Mr. Berry and incapacitating him. SWAT Officers then immediately applied first aid and removed him for the residence to an ambulance that took him to Baylor Scott & White Hospital. During the investigation, a 40 cal. Smith & Wesson handgun, with a laser sight, was found where Mr. Berry was hiding.