2 Civilian Gun Owners Prevented Texas Church Shooter's Escape
“The gentleman with the rifle came to my truck as the shooter took off and he briefed me quickly on what had just happened and said we had to get him, so that’s what I did,” Langendorff said.
Johnnie Langendorff was at the right place at the right time. The 27-year-old told the Associated Press he was driving to Sutherland Springs, Tex. to pick up his girlfriend when a barefooted man who had been exchanging gunfire with First Baptist Church shooter Devin Kelley approached him before jumping into his truck Sunday.
“The gentleman with the rifle came to my truck as the shooter took off and he briefed me quickly on what had just happened and said we had to get him, so that’s what I did,” Langendorff said.
The good Samaritan who first confronted Kelley was identified as 55-year-old Stephen Willeford by the Dallas Morning News.
He and Langendorff then chased after Kelley, who authorities say opened fire with a rifle at churchgoers after 11 a.m., killing at least 26 people, including a dozen children, and wounding more than 20 others. It is believed the attack targeted his in-laws who sometimes attended the church. They were not in attendance Sunday
“We just take pursuit. We speed over (Highway) 87 through traffic. We hit about 95 down (Farm Road) 539 trying to catch this guy until he eventually lost control on his own and went off in the ditch,” Langendorff recalled.
“He just gave up. He went off in the ditch, hit a hay bale from what I could see, and then he just never moved after that. He didn’t get out. Didn’t try anything.”
The Texas Department of Public Service said at a Monday press conference that Kelley had called his father, telling him he wasn't going to make it, before fatally shooting himself, the New York Daily News reports.
More Patrol

Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →