Officer cleared to return to duty following investigation into July shooting

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - The Lubbock Police Department and District Attorney’s Office have cleared an officer to return to work following a shooting in late July.

Around 12:45 a.m. on July 28, officers responded to a call of a suicidal subject near 58th and University.

Upon arrival, officers encountered 49-year-old Eric Salazar armed with a large butcher knife.

Officers were informed by Salazar’s wife of a hearing impaired juvenile inside the home. She let officers into the home through the garage.

Investigators say officers ordered Salazar to drop the knife multiple times, but refused.

During the incident, one officer fired a bean-bag round striking Salazar. Despite being struck, police say Salazar continued progressing forward with the knife. The second officer then fired his handgun, striking him three seconds after the use of less-lethal force.

Officers found Salazar inside one of the bedrooms and began life-saving measures.

At that time, Salazar was taken to UMC with serious injuries.

The juvenile inside the home was not injured.

Investigators determined Salazar allegedly assaulted his wife prior to the officers’ arrival.

LPD Chief Seth Herman says the officer who fired his department issued handgun has been with the department for two years.