Lancaster Police Investigating Shooting at Officer-Owned Residence on Enchanted Forest North

Lancaster, TX — In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a quiet neighborhood in Lancaster was rocked by gunfire when a shooting occurred at a residence on Enchanted Forest North, leaving a 22-year-old woman hospitalized with injuries. The incident has prompted an active and ongoing investigation by the Lancaster Police Department, especially given the unusual circumstances surrounding the case: the home where the shooting took place is owned by a Lancaster police officer who was present at the time, though reportedly off duty.

Incident Details

The shooting took place shortly after midnight, according to a statement released by the Lancaster Police Department. Officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots in the normally peaceful suburban enclave. When first responders arrived on the scene, they discovered a 22-year-old woman suffering from at least one gunshot wound. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where she is currently listed in stable condition.

The identity of the injured woman has not yet been released, pending notification of family members. Investigators have confirmed that she is not a law enforcement officer, but have not disclosed her relationship, if any, to the homeowner or others present at the scene.

Officer Presence Raises Questions

What has raised particular attention—and intensified public interest in the case—is the fact that the residence belongs to a Lancaster Police officer. The officer, whose name has not yet been officially released, was reportedly off duty and inside the home at the time of the shooting.

Authorities have confirmed that the officer was not injured in the incident and is cooperating fully with investigators. Lancaster Police Chief Samuel Williams addressed the situation in a brief press conference Wednesday afternoon.

“We are treating this case with the utmost seriousness and transparency,” said Chief Williams. “While it is always difficult when one of our own is connected to an incident under investigation, we are committed to a full, impartial, and thorough process. The fact that this involves a residence owned by an officer does not change our approach or standards.”

Investigation Ongoing

As of Wednesday evening, few details about what led to the shooting have been made public. Detectives have been canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing security footage, and interviewing witnesses in an effort to determine the sequence of events. Crime scene investigators were seen working at the residence well into the afternoon, gathering evidence both inside and outside the home.

Authorities have not confirmed whether any arrests have been made or if any suspects are currently being sought. However, sources familiar with the investigation have indicated that several individuals were present at the residence at the time of the shooting, and that all parties are being questioned.

The department has not ruled out the possibility that the case may eventually be turned over to an outside agency or district attorney’s office for review, particularly to avoid any perceived conflict of interest due to the officer’s ownership of the property.

Community Reaction

News of the shooting has spread quickly throughout Lancaster, with many residents expressing concern and confusion. The neighborhood of Enchanted Forest North, typically known for its quiet streets and family-friendly environment, has been left unsettled by the police presence and the knowledge that a violent incident took place so close to home.

“I’ve lived here for over ten years, and we’ve never seen anything like this,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be named. “It’s shocking—especially to learn that a police officer lives in the house. We just want to know what happened and that everyone is safe.”

Some residents have voiced appreciation for the department’s swift response but are calling for transparency as the case unfolds.

What Comes Next

As investigators continue their work, the Lancaster Police Department has promised to provide timely updates to the public while balancing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation. The injured woman’s condition will likely play a key role in how the case develops in the coming days, particularly if she is able to give a statement about what happened that night.

Until more is known, questions remain: What led to the shooting? Who fired the gun? And what role, if any, did the off-duty officer play in the incident? These are questions investigators are working urgently to answer.

For now, the city waits—hoping for clarity, healing, and a swift path to justice.