Gerald Riggins, 39, was arrested in Oklahoma City after a May 12 shooting in Denton that wounded two women, one of whom had dated him, and left a child who was present unharmed. The incident unfolded around 10 p.m. in the 2400 block of North Bell Avenue, and both victims were treated at a local hospital for injuries described as non-life-threatening. Denton and Oklahoma City police coordinated following the shooting, and Riggins is now in custody awaiting extradition back to Texas.
Denton officers were called to the scene after two women flagged down police in a parking lot, saying they had been shot. Investigators say Riggins approached the group, a verbal exchange escalated, and multiple rounds were fired into the area. One of the victims was holding a small child during the shooting; officials confirmed the child was not injured.
First responders transported the two victims to a nearby hospital where they received treatment for wounds officials called non-life-threatening. Medical staff stabilized both women and released information to law enforcement to support the ongoing investigation. Police quickly identified Gerald Riggins as the suspect based on witness accounts and early reporting from the scene.
After the shooting, Riggins left Denton and authorities followed leads that pointed toward Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City Police detained him the following day and booked him into the Oklahoma County Detention Center while Denton investigators prepared paperwork for his transfer. Law enforcement agencies in both cities say they are sharing information as part of the extradition process.
Riggins faces three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to the incident, according to charges filed by Denton prosecutors. Those charges reflect the use of a firearm and the number of victims involved in the parking lot confrontation. Officials said he remains in Oklahoma custody pending formal extradition to Denton County.
The extradition step will determine when Riggins is transported back to Texas to face the charges, and it can take time while officials complete the necessary legal and logistical requirements. During that period, he will remain in the Oklahoma County facility until Denton authorities secure his return. Once in Denton, the case will proceed through the local court system where prosecutors will outline their evidence.
Investigators have not publicly released a motive, but they confirmed one of the victims had previously dated Riggins and that relationship is part of the ongoing inquiry. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has video captured in the 2400 block of North Bell Avenue on May 12 around 10 p.m. to come forward. Additional tips, photos, or footage could clarify the timeline and help authorities piece together what led to the shooting.
Neighbors described the scene as chaotic, and community members said the shooting left people shaken and talking about safety in the neighborhood. Domestic incidents that turn violent often prompt calls for clearer protections and better support for those at risk, local advocates say. Officials remind residents that help and resources exist for people who feel threatened by former partners or others in their lives.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Denton Police Department. Denton Police provided key details about the response, the victims’ condition, and the suspect’s identity as part of their public update. Both Denton and Oklahoma authorities said more information will be released as the investigation continues and legal steps move forward.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Denton Police Department and share any eyewitness accounts or video evidence they may have. Officials stressed that witnesses should avoid direct confrontation and instead report tips to law enforcement to protect safety and preserve evidence. The case remains active and will advance through the courts once extradition and formal charges are complete.
