A Texas police officer, husband and father of three, was shot and killed in the line of duty in an “ambush” on Monday.
Greenville Police Department said: press release Officer Cooper Dawson initiated the traffic stop around 7:40 p.m. Greenville is about 75 minutes northeast of Dallas.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson, a dedicated officer who risked his life to serve and protect our community.”
The suspect reportedly fled the traffic stop and Dawson pursued him on foot.
Police said Dawson, 27, was “ambushed and shot multiple times” while pursuing the suspect.
Despite being seriously injured, Dawson reportedly “showed extraordinary courage, returning fire and striking the suspect.”
After the shooting, both Dawson and the suspect were rushed to Hunt County Regional Hospital.
Dawson's condition was so critical that authorities had to airlift him to Medical City Plano, where he later died.
Dawson's death is reportedly the first line-of-duty death within the Greenville Police Department in more than 100 years.
of dallas morning news The suspect in the officer's murder has been identified as 25-year-old Christian Robert Sparger.
The Morning News, citing Denton County court records, reported that Sparger pleaded guilty last year to charges of aggravated assault and continued assault in a separate incident.
The newspaper also reported that Sparger was arrested in 2017 and 2018 on charges of marijuana possession, public intoxication and failure to prove fugitive status with intent to provide false information. .
“Officer Dawson is highly respected within the Greenville Police Department and previously served with the Garland Police Department,” Greenville Police Department said in a statement. “His dedication to public service and unwavering dedication to protecting the Greenville community will never be forgotten.”
By the time Dawson retired from the Garland Police Department in 2023, he would have earned 10 citations, 12 citations and two bars for lifesaving work.
Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith said, “I am heartbroken to learn of the death of Officer Cooper Dawson, who selflessly risked his life to serve and protect our community. Officer Dawson's family and I We ask that you continue to protect our department and the Greenville community.” In your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. ”
According to KXAS-TVSmith added, “We are hurting. We are hurting as a department. We are hurting as a community. Today we honor him as a hero, a husband, a father, and a friend. Words cannot express the sadness I feel.''
Smith added: “Today we lost a good man. He was an outstanding officer. Today we honor him as a hero, husband, father and friend. Words cannot express the sadness we feel. I can't express it,” he said.
The Greenville Police Department displayed a patrol car in front of the police station in memory of Dawson.
Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Greenville Police Department Featured Dawson's remains are paraded through the city in a procession in memory of him.
Dawson also served in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Details regarding a memorial service for Dawson's family will be announced in the coming days, police said.
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