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.
LAS VEGAS, NV – A 36-year-old man accused of setting multiple Tesla vehicles on fire using Molotov cocktails has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, according to court and jail records.
The suspect, identified as Paul Hyon Kim, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Wednesday.
He faces 15 charges, including:
- Arson,
- Destruction of property valued at $5,000 or more,
- Possession of an incendiary device, and
- Misdemeanor discharging a firearm into a vehicle.
Video footage from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) showed a suspect, dressed in black, targeting at least five Tesla vehicles in the parking lot of a Tesla service center located at 6260 Badura Avenue, near Jones Boulevard and the 215 Beltway.
The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on February 18.
Authorities say the suspect used multiple incendiary devices to ignite the Teslas, one of which failed to detonate and was recovered inside a vehicle.
Additionally, the front doors of the facility were vandalized with the word “RESIST” spray-painted across them.
During a news conference later that morning, Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren described the attack as a targeted assault on Tesla property, with potential ideological motivations.
“This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility,” Koren stated. “While we believe this was an isolated incident, we are increasing our presence at Tesla-related locations throughout the valley as a precaution.”
The Clark County Fire Department and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force are actively involved in the investigation.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans acknowledged the attack had “some of the hallmarks of terrorism” but refrained from making a definitive classification.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, however, released a strongly worded statement, referring to the attack as part of a pattern of violence targeting Tesla facilities.
“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” Bondi stated.
Kim remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Las Vegas Metro Police or the FBI.