On September 2, 2010, an ATF Special Response Team in connection with a joint ATF, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Dallas Police Department investigation was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a member of the Crips street gang. This organization readily used firearms to protect their narcotics trade and five homicides were tied to members of the organization.
During the briefing, the team was told that the suspect was believed to be the most violent member of the organization. The team approached the residence, conducted a knock-and-announce at the front door, and attempted to contact the suspect via loudspeaker and on his cellular telephone.
Special Agent Donald Veal then attempted to breach the front door with a ram. While he was breaching the front door, the suspect fired seven rounds from a pistol while concealed inside the residence. Agent Veal was struck in the left side of his abdomen and left forearm and fell to the ground. Agents Bill Hassell, John Schroepfer, and Scott Adams dragged Agent Veal out of the line of fire to a safe area. Several minutes later, the suspect’s girlfriend exited the residence and after further negotiations the suspect surrendered.