Bell County Deputies Shoot 53-Year-Old Brian Keith Fikac During Welfare Check Near Holland, Texas
HOLLAND, TX – A welfare check east of Holland turned violent Friday afternoon when three Bell County Sheriff’s Office deputies opened fire on a man during a 911 response, leaving him hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries according to county officials.
Deputies Responded to a Domestic Disturbance Call Before Shooting
According to reports, deputies were dispatched at 12:37 PM to the 18000 block of FM 2268 after a 911 call reported a violent domestic disturbance. When deputies arrived, they encountered a man who investigators say displayed what deputies believed to be a firearm, prompting the three deputies to open fire. A rifle was later recovered at the scene.
Man Identified as Brian Keith Fikac, Now Facing Felony Charges
The man was identified as 53-year-old Brian Keith Fikac. He was transported to a Baylor Scott and White hospital for treatment and remains in the custody of the sheriff’s office. After reviewing evidence gathered at the scene, prosecutors charged Fikac with aggravated assault against a public servant, a first-degree felony, with his bond set at $500,000.
One Deputy Evaluated and Released, Three Placed on Administrative Leave
One deputy involved in the response was evaluated at a hospital and later released. The three deputies who fired their weapons have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard department policy while the criminal side of the investigation moves forward.
Texas Rangers Leading the Criminal Investigation
Body-worn camera footage from the incident has been turned over to the Texas Rangers and the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. The Texas Rangers are tasked with investigating major violent crimes and officer-involved shootings statewide, typically collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating directly with local prosecutors. Their involvement means state investigators, rather than the sheriff’s office alone, will oversee the criminal review of the shooting, though the sheriff’s office can still conduct its own separate internal administrative inquiry.
What a First Degree Felony Charge Means Under Texas Law
Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.02, aggravated assault is elevated to a first-degree felony when committed against a public servant lawfully performing official duties. A first-degree felony in Texas commonly carries a punishment range of five years to 99 years or life in prison, which is why prosecutors typically review investigative files closely before deciding how to proceed in court. Prosecutors are expected to go through Ranger reports and body camera footage as the case develops.
Investigation Remains Active as Officials Seek Tips
Both the Bell County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers say the investigation remains active, with more details expected to be released as the case progresses. Anyone with information, video, or tips related to the incident is asked to contact the sheriff’s office or Bell County Crime Stoppers.
This officer involved shooting remains under active investigation as both state and local authorities continue piecing together what happened during that welfare check. Stay with pinewhispers.net for updates as more information becomes available in this case.
