North Richland Hills, TX – A tense moment erupted at a local sports bar in North Richland Hills, Texas, when a man allegedly fired a gun during a heated argument while watching the Dallas Cowboys tie 40-40 with the Green Bay Packers. The incident, which took place at The Thirsty Turtle on September 28, 2025, has led to the arrest of 53-year-old David Callum on multiple charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
This unexpected episode disrupted what was supposed to be a spirited football game watch party, highlighting the increasingly serious risks of violent outbursts in public venues during sporting events.
The Incident Unfolded Amid Football Fever
According to the North Richland Hills Police Department, the shooting happened shortly after 10 p.m. following an argument that began when Callum “presumed another patron of the bar was looking at him while watching Sunday night’s game.” It was during this disturbance that Callum produced a firearm and fired a shot inside the bar.
- The bar patrons quickly intervened and secured Callum before officers arrived.
- No injuries were reported despite the gunfire.
- The first police statement mentioned multiple shots fired, but a later release clarified only one shot was discharged.
“Within just minutes of the call coming into dispatch, officers were on the scene and found that several patrons had secured the alleged shooter,” police said, emphasizing the swift community response that prevented further harm.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
David Callum faces serious legal ramifications in connection with the incident:
- Two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- One count of carrying a weapon where prohibited
He was initially detained at the North Richland Hills Joint Detention Center and later brought before a judge for formal charges. Callum was transferred to the Tarrant County Jail in Fort Worth, awaiting further court proceedings.
Broader Context and Community Concerns
The occurrence at The Thirsty Turtle illustrates ongoing concerns about public safety in social settings where alcohol and competitive sports are involved. Experts and law enforcement caution about the volatile mix of heightened emotions and weapon accessibility, especially during high-stakes games like NFL matchups.
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As this investigation continues, authorities are yet to disclose which team Callum was supporting during the game or the underlying dynamics that escalated the conflict to gunfire.
A Call for Safer Sporting Environments
This alarming incident urges sports bars, patrons, and law enforcement to collaborate on strategies to prevent violence, such as improved security measures and conflict de-escalation training. The community’s quick action that night highlights the importance of vigilance in maintaining safety.
Key takeaways:
- Violence linked to disputes over perceived social slights can escalate quickly in crowded venues.
- Prompt intervention by bystanders is critical in limiting harm.
- Responsible weapon policies and enforcement play a vital role in public safety.
What do you think about this alarming rise in violence at sports bars? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on creating safer public spaces during game days.