Man Wanted for Kidnapping Died During Shoot Out with AP Officers
Aransas Pass Police Department
ARANSAS PASS (News Release) - On July 31, 2022, around 1:20 a.m., Aransas Pass Police Department (APPD) and Ingleside officers were alerted to a female and her passenger being chased by a male in a red Ford Mustang outside the city limits.
The male was actively shooting at the female's vehicle. Her vehicle had been struck by gunfire and the passenger was reportedly injured.
Joseph Torres - Photo courtesy of Aransas Pass Police Department
An APPD officer encountered the vehicle and gave chase. The driver, later identified as Joseph Torres who was actively being sought by APPD for aggravated kidnapping, continued to flee the officer.
During the chase into Ingleside, Torres shot at the pursuing APPD officer and fled to Buckhorn Saloon in Ingleside. The officer fired multiple times in response to being shot at and caused Torres to fall and lose his weapon.
Other individuals near the saloon interfered with the officer to try and keep him from apprehending Torres. APPD has reported that Buckhorn Saloon nor its staff was involved in this event.
According to AAPD report, it was during that interference that Torres was seen trying to recover his dropped firearm. The AAPD officer took Torres to the ground and was able to get him into custody.
Arriving APPD Officers and Ingleside Officers then began lifesaving measures on Torres, while other officers controlled the crowd.
Torres was tended to by local Emergency Dispatch Service and ended up dying from his injuries at a nearby hospital in Portland.
Investigations
At this time there are two investigations underway:
The Texas Rangers & Ingleside Police Department will assume the criminal investigation into this event. The APPD staff said that they will cooperate with their investigation which is standard protocol and policy of the APPD.
The Texas Rangers will ultimately release their findings to the San Patricio County District Attorney’s office for review.
An internal investigation into the officer's use of force and policy compliance is simultaneously underway.
This investigation is led by the APPD’s Criminal Investigations Division. Their findings will be forwarded to the APPD Chief of Police.
Officer Tenure
The officer involved in this event has been with the department for under 3 years. APPD has not released the officer's identity at this time.