Incident Overview
An attempted armed robbery at the CashMax store in Arlington, Texas, escalated into a chaotic scene involving a shootout between the suspect and police officers. The incident occurred on Friday evening around 6:45 PM at a business near Pioneer Parkway and South Cooper Street. While one suspect, identified as 37-year-old Kelvin Bivens, was apprehended, another suspect remains at large, prompting an ongoing police investigation.
Events Leading to the Shootout
The sequence of events began when Arlington police were alerted to an armed robbery in progress at the CashMax store. Upon arrival, officers surrounded the building to contain the situation. As two officers secured the rear of the establishment, a man emerged from the building with a gun and began firing at them. The officers returned fire, but no injuries were reported on either side.
Inside the store, employees were reportedly subdued by the suspects, with their hands and legs bound using tape. Despite the intense situation and the exchange of gunfire, none of the store employees or officers were harmed. The second suspect managed to escape the scene during the commotion, leaving authorities scrambling to locate him.
Witness Testimonies and Community Impact
Witnesses described the scene as terrifying and chaotic. Ariana Hernandez, an employee at a nearby Mexican restaurant, recounted hearing gunshots and experiencing the panic that ensued. Hernandez described a man, believed to be the fleeing suspect, knocking urgently at the restaurant’s back door. She speculated he was attempting to find refuge inside the establishment. Hernandez, who was working alongside 10 to 15 customers at the time, focused on keeping everyone safe during the ordeal. Many patrons took cover under tables, fearing for their lives.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Hernandez maintained her composure and prioritized the safety of her customers over her own. Reflecting on the incident, she expressed lingering fears about the possibility of similar events happening again. The psychological toll of the event has left her shaken, and she hopes the second suspect is apprehended soon.
Suspect Details and Arrest
Following the shootout, Kelvin Bivens was arrested as he attempted to exit through the store’s front door, where additional officers had positioned themselves. Bivens has been charged with one count of aggravated assault against a public servant and one count of aggravated robbery. Authorities have not released a description of the second suspect, who remains at large.
The arrest of Bivens marked a significant development in the case, though the presence of a second suspect at large continues to pose concerns for both law enforcement and the local community. The Arlington Police Department has urged anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to come forward.
Police Response and Investigation
In the aftermath of the incident, Arlington police have implemented their standard procedure of placing the two officers involved in the shooting on administrative leave. This measure ensures a thorough investigation into the officers’ actions during the shootout, as per departmental policy.
Authorities also confirmed that the back of the building was riddled with bullets, underscoring the intensity of the exchange. Despite this, the situation did not result in any injuries to civilians, employees, or law enforcement personnel. The CashMax employees, though physically unharmed, experienced a harrowing ordeal as they were restrained by the suspects during the robbery attempt.
Next Steps and Community Reassurance
The Arlington Police Department has announced plans to release further updates on the investigation, with a press conference scheduled for the following day at 10:00 AM. This briefing is expected to provide additional details about the incident and potentially shed light on the identity or whereabouts of the second suspect.
For now, the community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of a violent event that disrupted an otherwise ordinary evening. While the swift response and containment by Arlington police have been commendable, the search for the second suspect remains a top priority.
The incident has served as a sobering reminder of the potential for violence in everyday settings, prompting calls for vigilance and community cooperation. As the investigation unfolds, residents are hopeful for a swift resolution and the restoration of a sense of safety and normalcy in their neighborhood.
