Man Fatally Shot by LG Police Officer

A La Grange Police Officer shot and killed a suspect armed with a shotgun at a home on S. Washington St. Wednesday evening, Sept. 9.

La Grange Police Chief David Gilbreath said police received a call of a disturbance at a residence in the 400 block of S. Washington around 7:25 p.m. Gilbreath said an officer made contact with the complainant and the suspect inside the home. Gilbreath said the suspect was “agitated” and went into a back room. The suspect returned with a shotgun and fired it as he came into the living room, Gilbreath said.

Gilbreath said the suspect then pointed the shotgun in the direction of the officer and the complainant. The officer ordered the suspect to drop the gun. Gilbreath said the suspect refused to do so. The officer then shot the suspect. The officer immediately attempted life-saving measures. Fayette County EMS were already at the scene. They entered the home and attempted live-saving measures as well, Gilbreath said. The suspect died at the scene.

Gilbreath declined to name the suspect or the officer at this time. He said the Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting, which he said is standard procedure for any officer-involved shooting.

The Record has independently confirmed the identity of the deceased man as Danny Ruckert, 43, of La Grange. The officer has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation takes place, Gilbreath said.

At this time, Gilbreath said he did not know what the disturbance was about. The complainant was the suspect’s mother, and they lived together at the residence.

Gilbreath said the officer who shot the suspect was acting in defense of himself and the complainant. Neither the officer nor the complainant were injured.

“It’s a sad situation,” Gilbreath said. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office also assisted. A heavy law enforcement presence remained at the scene until around 12:30 a.m.