A robbery suspect is hospitalized Thursday morning after opening fire on Richardson police officers during a high-speed chase that stretched from The Colony through Richardson and ultimately ended in Dallas.
Richardson Police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Ryan Edward Drouin. Officers said Drouin was wounded after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement and is currently receiving treatment for injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The incident began when The Colony Police contacted Plano Police for assistance in connection with an aggravated robbery case. Shortly after 2 a.m. Plano Police alerted Richardson officers that they had lost track of a vehicle believed to be linked to that robbery near Custer Road and West Renner Road.
Richardson officers located the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop but Drouin refused to comply and accelerated away triggering a pursuit that crossed into Dallas city limits.
During the chase Drouin allegedly fired at the officers following him and those officers returned fire. The pursuit came to an end when Drouin’s vehicle became disabled near Alpha Road and Hughes Lane in Dallas.
Officers ordered Drouin to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. When he stepped out of the car he once again aimed a weapon at officers prompting multiple officers to open fire. Drouin was struck and officers immediately moved in to render first aid before he was transported to a hospital.
No law enforcement personnel were injured throughout the incident. News crews at the scene observed Drouin’s vehicle covered in bullet holes and noted that at least two patrol vehicles had also been struck by gunfire. A large firearm was also spotted lying on the ground near the scene as investigators worked the area.
Because the original robbery took place in The Colony that department is leading the robbery investigation. Since the officer-involved shooting occurred within Dallas city limits the Dallas Police Department is heading the criminal investigation into that specific incident. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office is also conducting a separate independent review of the shooting consistent with standard protocol.
The Richardson officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave as the department conducts its own internal review. Officials confirmed that neither Plano Police nor Dallas Police were involved in the actual shooting exchange. Only Richardson officers fired their weapons during the confrontation.
Investigators remain at the scene processing evidence and authorities say additional information will be released as the investigation develops across multiple jurisdictions.
