A Dallas lawyer, 46-year-old Martin James Benes, was fatally shot by SWAT officers during a mental health-related confrontation at his North Dallas home.

The incident began when Benes’s mother called 911, reporting that he appeared suicidal and had removed his court-ordered ankle monitor. Family members also expressed concerns that he was behaving erratically.

A “Right Care Team,” including a mental health professional, attempted to engage Benes, but the situation escalated. SWAT officers were deployed when he failed to cooperate.

According to police, officers initially used a stun gun on Benes, who remained armed with a knife. Body camera footage shows Benes proceeding toward the officers. Despite commands to drop the knife, he advanced—and the officers responded with lethal force. Benes was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dallas Police Chief David Comeaux described the officers’ actions as a measured effort to protect both the man and the public, stating that stun attempts had failed and Benes continued to pose an imminent threat.

The shooting is under review by the Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit, with oversight from the Dallas County District Attorney and the Office of Community Police Oversight. Both officers involved are currently on administrative leave.

Benes had been facing criminal charges at the time, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to prior incidents earlier this year.