Crime
Greenville police officer Cooper Dawson killed after being ‘ambushed’ by suspect
Authorities have not yet released their name or condition.
Tragedy struck the Greenville Police Department on Monday night as Officer Cooper Dawson, a dedicated law enforcement professional, was fatally shot while pursuing a suspect on foot.
The incident began shortly before 8 p.m. when Officer Dawson conducted a routine traffic stop in the 3500 block of Pickett Street.
The suspect fled the vehicle on foot, prompting Officer Dawson to give chase.
As the pursuit led into a wooded area behind nearby homes, the suspect ambushed the officer, opening fire and striking him multiple times.
Despite suffering critical gunshot wounds to his leg and side, Officer Dawson demonstrated remarkable bravery by returning fire, wounding the suspect in the exchange.
Emergency responders quickly airlifted Officer Dawson to Medical City Plano, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect our community,” said Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith in an emotional statement. “Officer Dawson was not only an exceptional officer but a respected and valued member of our department. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Officer Dawson had previously served with the Garland Police Department before joining Greenville’s force. His tragic death marks the first line-of-duty fatality in Greenville in more than 100 years.
The suspect, who was also injured in the shootout, remains hospitalized.
Authorities have not yet released their name or condition.
The Greenville Police Department and the community it serves are mourning the loss of an officer remembered for his dedication, professionalism, and courage.
Funeral arrangements for Officer Dawson are pending, and support services are being extended to his family, friends, and colleagues. Police have asked the public to keep his family and the department in their thoughts during this time of profound loss.
Crime
Graphic video shows moments UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson gunned down by suspect at close range
Newly released surveillance footage has shed light on the horrifying final moments of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a targeted attack on the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
The video shows the unidentified gunman, dressed in a black hoodie, black pants, gloves, and carrying a gray backpack, methodically stalking and executing his attack.
Armed with what appears to be a single-action handgun, the shooter moves with chilling composure, pulling back the slide between shots—a maneuver indicative of a calculated and deliberate approach.
The footage captures the gunman firing the first shot, striking Thompson in the back. The 50-year-old executive stumbles forward before collapsing onto the sidewalk.
Desperately, Thompson attempts to crawl away from his attacker, but the assailant remains relentless, continuing to fire at close range.
A police source revealed that the gunman encountered a technical issue during the assault. The weapon appeared to jam at one point, forcing the shooter to adjust the firearm before continuing to fire. This level of weapon handling, police suggest, indicates the attacker has a certain level of experience or familiarity with firearms.
The attack, which occurred around 6:46 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown, has been confirmed as a targeted act by law enforcement. Thompson, a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, had arrived at the hotel for an Investor Day conference. Authorities believe the gunman had been waiting for Thompson to arrive.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the public following the incident, assuring New Yorkers that this was not a random act of violence. “This was a calculated and targeted murder,” Adams said. “We are working tirelessly to bring the individual responsible to justice.”
Thompson, who had worked with UnitedHealthcare for over two decades and was appointed CEO in 2021, was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His death has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry and left his family, friends, and colleagues grappling with the tragedy.
He is survived by his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, and their two children. The family resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they have built a life centered on community and family values.
Law enforcement continues to search for the assailant, described as a white male in a cream-colored jacket and black-and-white sneakers. Surveillance footage shows the shooter fleeing through the Ziegfeld alleyway before escaping on a bicycle.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The suspect remains at large, and investigators are exploring all possible motives, including professional or personal disputes.
As details emerge, the chilling footage underscores the calculated and brutal nature of the attack, leaving many to question what led to such a tragic and deliberate act of violence against a respected leader.