DPS Issues Information on Shootout with Aguilar

Texas Rangers are seen where Aguilar was in hiding. They are currently investigating where the situation developed into a shootout between Aguilar and officers.

December 2, 2018 - While Center residents were preparing for the annual Christmas parade on the Center square, law enforcement officials were engaged in a quickly developing stand-off with wanted fugitive, Antonio Aguilar on December 1, 2018.

Center Police Officers, Texas Department of Public Safety, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Shelby County Constables from Precinct 1,2 and 3, Tenaha Police Department and agencies from other areas joined in on surrounding the area to lock down access in and out of FM 2788 at State Highway 7 East.

As law enforcement units were set in place, assistance was called in from the Center Fire Department to bolster road blocks and traffic control at roadways surrounding the area as vehicles were still attempting to go around the road blocks.

What started at around 4pm Saturday, finally came to a resolution early Sunday morning about 11 hours later.

According to a press release issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Center Police Department received a tip at around 4pm from a confidential source that Antonio Aguilar was at a private residence in the city of Center. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene and negotiated with Aguilar for several hours.

Based on the preliminary investigation, at approximately 3:45am Sunday morning, Aguilar exited the residence with a rifle and fired at law enforcement officials. Law enforcement returned fire, fatally wounding Aguilar.

Mark Tuley, 58, of Center, was arrested by Texas Rangers (DPS) for harboring a fugitive; he was transported to the Shelby County jail for the felony offense.

No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident. This investigation is ongoing and no further details are available for release at this time.