The Stafford community is reeling after a tense overnight standoff ended in tragedy, leaving two people dead, including the suspect. Authorities have identified the victim as 32-year-old Thomas Goodson and the suspect as 35-year-old Adrian Mercado, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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The Incident
The chain of events began shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday, when a man entered the Stafford Police Department to report that his son, Adrian Mercado, had killed someone at a home on Lawrence Lane near Stafford Road. He warned officers that Mercado was armed and extremely dangerous.
Responding officers quickly arrived at the residence and discovered a grim scene. In the backyard, concealed under plywood and wrapped in a blanket, lay the body of Thomas Goodson.
Gunfire and Standoff
When officers, along with a Missouri City K-9 Unit, attempted to enter the home, Mercado opened fire immediately. During the initial exchange, a Stafford officer was struck, but his radio absorbed the bullet, preventing serious injury.
For the next 90 minutes, gunfire erupted intermittently, prompting a multi-agency SWAT response that included specialized units from surrounding jurisdictions. The standoff continued into the early morning hours, with law enforcement working to secure the area and ensure the safety of neighbors.
Standoff Ends in Death
SWAT teams eventually made entry and found Mercado deceased inside the residence. Investigators believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No additional civilians or officers were harmed during the incident.
Authorities confirmed that the victim discovered in the backyard was Thomas Goodson. Investigators say Mercado had attempted to conceal the crime, but the exact relationship between Mercado and Goodson is still under investigation.
Suspect Background
Lt. Luciano Lopez of Stafford PD noted that Mercado had a lengthy history with law enforcement and was wanted on an aggravated robbery warrant at the time of the standoff. His prior record and past interactions with police are expected to play a role in the ongoing investigation.
Community and Police Response
The Stafford Police Department praised the bravery and professionalism of officers during the volatile situation. Lt. Lopez highlighted the officer whose radio absorbed a bullet, commending his decision to remain at the scene despite the danger.
“This was a dangerous and volatile situation,” Lopez said. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the community and prevent further loss of life.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with Stafford Police, SWAT units, and the OSBI reviewing ballistic evidence, body camera footage, and witness statements. Authorities have not yet released details about Goodson’s background or the nature of his relationship with Mercado.
Closing
What began as a father’s desperate warning to law enforcement ended in a tragic loss of life and a night of fear for the Stafford community. The incident underscores the dangers faced by officers during armed standoffs and the devastating consequences of violent crime on victims, families, and neighborhoods.