The Fort Worth and Lake Worth police departments have released 911 audio, dashcam, and bodycam footage from a deadly standoff that occurred last week, ending with the death of suspect Nicholas Sides, 35. The incident involved a high-speed chase, multiple gunshots, and a tense hours-long standoff before police were forced to take lethal action.
The Chase Begins After a Traffic Violation
The incident started around 4:17 p.m. last Thursday when Lake Worth police attempted to stop Sides for a traffic violation, according to a Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) news release.
Instead of complying, Sides fled the scene, leading officers on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed his vehicle into a backyard near Sansom Park. As officers approached, Sides exited his vehicle and fired several shots at them before pointing the gun at his head and driving away again.
Sides Barricades Himself Inside a Home
The second pursuit ended when Sides barricaded himself inside a home in the 1700 block of Skyline Drive, in Fort Worth. Police from multiple agencies, including the Fort Worth Police Crisis Intervention Team and SWAT, established a perimeter around the house and attempted to de-escalate the situation.
Sides reportedly set off fireworks both inside and outside the house during the standoff, adding to the chaos. Officers spent hours negotiating with him, but he remained uncooperative.
SWAT Attempts to Disarm Sides
Eventually, Sides emerged from the house with a gun pointed at his head, ignoring officers’ commands to surrender. In an effort to disarm him, Fort Worth SWAT officers fired 40-millimeter less-lethal rounds.
Despite these attempts, Sides aimed his gun at the officers and fired several shots. In response, a Fort Worth SWAT officer shot Sides in the torso.
Sides Pronounced Dead After Medical Attention
Sides received immediate medical attention at the scene and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Fortunately, no officers or bystanders were injured during the incident.
Investigation Underway
The FWPD Major Case Unit, Internal Affairs, and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the incident. The Lake Worth Police Department has already completed its Standard Critical Incident Review.
As per department policy, the involved Fort Worth police officers were placed on standard leave following the shooting but have since returned to duty after a critical incident debrief.
The released footage and ongoing investigations highlight the complex and dangerous nature of the standoff. Although police worked for hours to resolve the situation peacefully, Sides’ decision to fire on officers left them with no choice but to act in self-defense.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement face when dealing with armed and unpredictable suspects.