A tense, multi-hour standoff between Amarillo police and a distressed man ended in tragedy Monday night, as authorities found 33-year-old Zane Calum Prescott dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase.
Incident Unfolds in Residential Neighborhood
According to the Amarillo Police Department (APD), officers initially responded to a call about a man in distress around 5:15 p.m. in the 4900 block of SW 16th. When they arrived, they found Prescott inside his vehicle, armed with a gun. Concerned for his safety and the safety of others, APD negotiators and the SWAT team were called to the scene in an attempt to de-escalate the situation peacefully.
Police engaged in negotiations with Prescott for several hours, urging him to surrender. However, as officers worked to assess the situation, they discovered that Prescott was allegedly in violation of a protective order that prohibited him from possessing a firearm. As a result, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for him.
High-Speed Escape Ends in Tragedy
When officers attempted to take Prescott into custody, he refused to comply. Instead, he rammed his vehicle through a fence on the south side of the home and sped away, prompting a police pursuit. The chase continued until Prescott's vehicle became inoperable at Bushland Road and Wind River Drive, roughly six miles away from the initial scene.
When officers approached the car, they found Prescott dead inside, having apparently taken his own life.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not released further details about what led up to the incident, and it remains unclear what Prescott’s mental state was before or during the confrontation. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
Monday’s standoff and its tragic conclusion highlight the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with armed individuals in crisis. Authorities have not stated whether Prescott had any prior interactions with law enforcement regarding the protective order.
