A Greenville, Texas, police officer was killed Monday in an “ambush” during a shootout with a fleeing suspect, local police said.
Greenville Police Department said in a statement Tuesday morning that Officer Cooper Dawson of the Greenville Police Department was struck in the side and leg during the incident, which occurred in a wooded area behind a residence on Pickett Street at 7:40 p.m. did. The area is approximately 80 miles northeast of downtown Dallas.
The fatal incident occurred after Dawson initiated a traffic stop of the suspect and his vehicle near the 3500 block of Pickett Street. According to police, the assailant then fled and Dawson pursued him on foot.
Officer Cooper Dawson of the Greenville, Texas, Police Department was killed on Monday. (Greenville Police Department)
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Dawson chased the suspect into a wooded area behind a home at 3517 Pickett Street, where the assailants “ambushed” him and shot him multiple times.
“Despite being seriously injured, Officer Dawson showed extraordinary courage and fired his weapon, striking the suspect,” Greenville police said in a statement.
Both Dawson and the suspect were taken to Hunt County Regional Hospital, according to KLTV. Dawson was then airlifted to Medical City Plano, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect's condition has not yet been released and has not been made public.
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A Greenville Police Department vehicle leaves the scene where a police officer was killed Monday night. (fox 4)
fox 4 news Video from last night's scene shows several police vehicles in front of the home and a white sedan parked outside. It is unclear whether the sedan was involved in the traffic stop. The scene is cordoned off with yellow police tape.
The Greenville Police Department said Dawson was a highly respected member of the force and previously worked for the Garland Police Department.
“His dedication to public service and unwavering dedication to protecting the Greenville community will never be forgotten,” the statement said.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson, who risked his life to serve and protect our community,” Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith said in a statement. ” he added. “Please keep Officer Dawson’s family, our department, and the Greenville community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
According to the release, Dawson was the first Greenville Police Department officer to die in the line of duty in more than 100 years.
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The scene where Officer Cooper Dawson was shot and killed on Monday. (fox 4)
Police announced that the Texas Rangers, part of the Texas Department of Public Safety, will be conducting the investigation as a third party.
Further details regarding the memorial service and ways to support Officer Dawson's family will be announced in the coming days, the release states.
A patrol car is on display in Dawson's honor in front of the police station.
