McAllen police shoot knife-wielding man at police station

McALLEN — On Monday, McAllen police encountered a man brandishing two knives and issuing threats upon entering the police department lobby. McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez confirmed the incident, which transpired around 4:38 p.m., during a press briefing held outside the station later that afternoon.

Despite attempts to subdue the individual with non-lethal methods, officers resorted to gunfire, discharging between two to three shots at the unidentified man. Rodriguez recounted the tense situation, explaining that the individual, described only as a Hispanic male, had been provocatively striking the glass in an attempt to lure officers outside.

Despite officers’ efforts to de-escalate the situation verbally and with less-than-lethal pepper balls, the man persisted, hurling one of the knives at an officer and lunging at another, prompting an officer to discharge his weapon.

The man sustained gunshot wounds to his upper body and possibly a leg and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment at a local hospital. Fortunately, none of the responding officers suffered injuries during the encounter.

While the incident remains under investigation, Rodriguez commended his officers for their restraint and efforts to peacefully resolve the situation before resorting to lethal force.

Subsequently, the McAllen police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Bryan Colunga, a resident of McAllen. The officer who discharged his weapon was identified as Kyle Minister, a member of the department for 3 ½ years.