Dallas Police Shoot Man After Failed De-escalation Attempt

On August 26, 2025, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Dallas Police responded to a disturbance call in the 13800 block of Far Hills Lane, Far North Dallas, where a man, later identified as Martin James Benes, was reported threatening others with a knife and expressing intent to harm himself. Upon arrival, officers knocked on the door, and a woman answered. They encountered Benes, armed with a knife, who refused repeated commands to drop the weapon. Officers safely escorted the woman out, but Benes followed, still holding the knife, before retreating back inside and barricading himself.

Benes, a Dallas lawyer with a history of mental health concerns and a pending charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (family violence), had cut off his court-ordered ankle monitor, prompting an active warrant for insufficient bond. His family had called 911 seeking mental health assistance after he injured himself. A Right Care Team, including mental health counselors, attempted to de-escalate, but Benes remained uncooperative. Around 11 p.m., the Dallas SWAT team was called in. A police robot found Benes asleep upstairs, still clutching the knife.

SWAT entered the home and attempted to subdue Benes with less-than-lethal measures, including a Taser, which proved ineffective. When Benes reportedly charged at the officers with the knife, SWAT members opened fire, fatally shooting him.