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A number of local law enforcement officers were no-billed by an Orange County grand jury in connection with the officer-involved shooting of a Bridge City man.

 

No-billed is a term meaning the grand jury did not return indictments on the officers. 

 

A statement was released by the Orange County District attorney’s Office regarding the grand jury’s decision. 

 

“On May 21, 2025, following a months-long investigation into the October 15, 2024, officer -involved shooting of Jeremy Culp, the Texas Rangers presented its findings to an Orange County grand jury. The grand jury chose not to return indictments on any of the officers involved.

 

We are deeply saddened by Jeremy Culp’s death. May his death serve as a reminder of the ongoing battles many veterans face upon returning home from conflicts abroad after serving our country honorably. We extend our hearts to the Culp family and friends who are undoubtedly devastated by his loss.

 

We support our law enforcement officers, each of whom made an incredibly difficult and split- second decision under extreme circumstances to protect the lives of the children and faculty at the nearby West Orange-Stark Middle School, citizens driving and working in the area, and the lives of their fellow officers.

Regretfully, due to pending civil litigation, we are unable to comment on the facts of the case any further at this time,” the statement read.

 

The Texas Department of Public Safety addressed media on the day of the event, saying that  just before 9 a.m. Oct. 15, 2024, the Bridge City Police Department received a report of multiple shots fired at multiple homes in Bridge City located in a single neighborhood. Officers were informed that a white truck fled the scene. 

“Shortly after this a white Dodge Ram pickup reported to be traveling at a high rate of speed struck a motorcycle officer as he and other officers were escorting a wide load on State Highway 73 near Cow Bayou,” DPS Sergeant Shana Clark said.

 

The officer received a severe leg injury but his injuries are reported as non life threatening.

 

The truck traveled to the intersection of West Green Street and North 15th Street near West Orange Stark Middle School and crashed into a utility pole. It was noted that the truck appeared to have a flat tire at this time. It is unknown why the truck crashed when it did.  Clark said the suspect, whose name has not been released, exited the vehicle with a semi automatic rifle and was given commands by law enforcement to put the weapon down and get on the ground.  The suspect reportedly laid the weapon down on the ground and lay prone but as officers began to approach the man he reportedly picked up the weapon and pointed it at officers.  Officers engaged and the suspect was shot. Life saving measures were attempted but the suspect was later pronounced deceased.  

 

According to his obituary, Culp proudly served in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division, completing a tour in Afghanistan. His service was a testament to his courage and devotion, earning him numerous honors, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge. Jeremy embodied the spirit of a true soldier, facing every challenge with strength, bravery, and integrity.