A Texas man accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend and another woman in a Denton parking lot has been arrested in Oklahoma City after allegedly fleeing the state following the attack.
According to police, Gerald Riggins, 39, was taken into custody Wednesday by Oklahoma City police officers after investigators determined he had traveled to Oklahoma following the shooting.
Authorities say the incident happened Tuesday night in Denton and involved multiple gunshots fired during an argument in a parking lot.
Quick Summary of the Shooting
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Gerald Riggins |
| Age | 39 |
| Incident Location | Denton, Texas |
| Arrest Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Victims | Two women |
| Relationship | One victim previously dated suspect |
| Injuries | Non-life-threatening |
| Child Involved | Child unharmed during shooting |
| Charges | Three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon |
Police Responded to Shooting Tuesday Night
According to the Denton Police Department, officers responded around 10 p.m. Tuesday to reports of a shooting in the 2400 block of North Bell Avenue.
When officers arrived, they were reportedly flagged down by two women suffering from gunshot wounds.
Investigators said the women told officers that Gerald Riggins approached them in a parking lot shortly before the shooting began.
Police say a verbal argument escalated into violence when Riggins allegedly opened fire toward the victims.
One Victim Was Holding a Child During Shooting
Authorities said one of the women was holding a child at the time shots were fired.
Although the child was not injured, police said the situation could have become far more tragic.
Both victims suffered gunshot wounds but survived the attack.
Emergency responders transported the women to a local hospital, where they were treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators later confirmed that one of the victims had previously been in a relationship with Riggins.
Suspect Allegedly Fled to Oklahoma
After the shooting, police say Riggins fled the scene before officers arrived.
During the investigation, authorities learned he had traveled to Oklahoma City.
Law enforcement agencies coordinated efforts across state lines, and Oklahoma City police officers arrested Riggins on Wednesday.
He is currently being held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center while awaiting extradition back to Texas.
Gerald Riggins Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Authorities said Riggins has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The exact reason for the third aggravated assault charge has not yet been fully explained publicly, though it may relate to the child who was present during the shooting.
Investigators have not released additional details about the argument or what may have led to the confrontation.
The case remains under active investigation.
Domestic Violence Cases Often Escalate Quickly
The shooting highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence situations escalating into gun violence.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide frequently warn that domestic disputes involving firearms can become especially dangerous for victims, bystanders, and children.
Experts say individuals attempting to leave abusive or unstable relationships may face increased risks during confrontations or separation periods.
Police departments often encourage victims of domestic violence to seek protective orders, emergency assistance, and support services if threats or violence occur.
Extradition Process Will Return Suspect to Texas
Because Riggins was arrested in another state, he must now go through the extradition process before returning to Denton County to face charges.
Extradition allows law enforcement agencies to transfer suspects between states when criminal charges have been filed elsewhere.
Court proceedings in Texas are expected once the transfer is completed.
Authorities have not yet announced whether additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
