Dallas police released an emotional update following the shooting death of Officer Darron Burks, saying that Officer Burks, a former high school teacher, was “executed” in the line of duty.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said at a press conference Friday that police had lost a “brother” and a “hero” in the shooting.
“We are heartbroken as a police department and as a family,” Garcia said. “Last night we lost a brother, a hero. Officer Daron Burks was a son, a nephew and a friend to many, and he was senselessly and tragically killed in the line of duty.”
Dallas police officer killed, two injured: “We've lost one of our own”
Officer Daron Burks, 46, was killed in a shooting in Oak Cliff and two other officers who responded were injured late Thursday night around 10 p.m. (Dallas Police Department)
The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Thursday night. Near Oak Cliff Community CenterThe suspect, identified as 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, killed Burks and wounded two other officers and died in a shootout with police.
“Other officers were close to dying,” Garcia said. “Officers who put their lives on the line to protect their comrades. It's only by the grace of God that they're still with us.”
The police chief said officers were “targeted” by Cobb Bay.
Our officers were targeted simply because of the uniform they wore.
“Our officers were targeted solely because of the uniform they wear and the brave and honorable job they do,” he said. “I want to be clear, although the word ambush has been thrown around in the last 24 hours, that is not what happened here. Officer Burks was executed.”
Garcia said the suspect in the shooting, Corey Cobb-Bey, 30, approached Burks as he was waiting in the parking lot between calls, and moments later Cobb-Bey pulled out a handgun and shot Burks. (Dallas Police Department)
Garcia said Cobb-Bey approached Burks, began a conversation, recorded the conversation on his cellphone, then pulled out a gun and fired a shot. Police said there was no evidence Burks and Cobb-Bey knew each other.
The Texas suspect was caught on video committing violent acts, including stabbing and punching people.
“Cobb Bey approached Officer Burks and engaged in a brief conversation with him at the driver's side window and recorded the conversation on his cell phone,” he said. “The suspect then pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Burks as he sat in the vehicle.”
Police said they received a 911 call reporting an officer was in distress. Officers responded to find Burks in his patrol car with serious injuries.
A Dallas Police vehicle is seen being towed from the scene where officers were shot on Thursday. (KDFW)
At 10:11 p.m., Corporal Jamie Farmer responded to a call for backup by pulling into a parking lot. Farmer was shot at by Cobb Bay. When Farmer returned fire, Cobb Bay grabbed a shotgun and fired at Farmer, striking him in the leg.
A minute later, Senior Corporal Carisa David arrived on the scene.
Texas police escort fallen officer's son to back to school
Cobb Bey ran toward David and fired multiple shots at her as she exited her vehicle.
Police said David was shot in the face.
Officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, resulting in two more officers being shot.
The suspect was shot and killed after a high-speed police chase on Interstate 35 from Dallas to Louisville.
A procession of police vehicles drove through Dallas early Friday morning after an officer was killed in the line of duty. (KTVT)
Burks is a former high school math teacher at Texas Can Academy's Pleasant Grove campus who enrolled in the police academy because of his passion to serve his community. FOX4 reported.Cite your sources.
“Last year, Officer Burks bravely decided to leave the field of education and serve our city as a member of the Dallas Police Department. His passion to serve others as a teacher and as a police officer epitomizes his dedication to positively impacting the lives of those around him,” wrote Tina Shaw, principal of Texas Can Academy's Pleasant Grove campus.
Former student Adrian Coleman said Burks mentored troubled youth.
“I was a troubled young man and my dad gave me the knowledge and the tools I needed to graduate and make it in the world,” Coleman told local media. “I'm so grateful for my dad and the time he spent with me.”
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Burks, a rookie officer, enrolled in the Dallas police academy last year.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Dallas Police for comment.
