Father is shot by child as he protects his son involved in fight, Texas cops say

A father was shot while trying to break up a fight that involved his son and other children, Texas authorities say.

Two boys were attacking another boy Sunday, Sept. 7, in Mesquite when a child who was with the victim went to get help, according to the Mesquite Police Department.

He returned with his father and older brother, who began to confront the accused attackers, police said.

One of the child suspects, according to police, then retrieved a gun and shot the father. He fled with the other boy before officers arrived.

Police said the father, who was shot in the shoulder area, was taken to a hospital and listed in non-life-threatening condition.

Officers did not provide ages for the father and boys involved in the incident. A motive for the initial fight is unclear.

Anyone with information about the shooting or accused suspects is asked to contact Mesquite police at 972-216-6237.

Mesquite is about a 15-mile drive east from Dallas.

This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 3:51 PM with the headline "Father is shot by child as he protects his son involved in fight, Texas cops say."