Crime
Terrell police officer Jacob Candanoza killed in the line of duty, suspect in custody
The police chief says Officer Jacob Candanoza was in his 20s and leaves behind a wife and young son.
A Terrell Police officer was tragically killed during a routine traffic stop late Sunday night, and the suspect involved is now in custody, according to the Terrell Police Department.
Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, conducted a traffic stop in the 1600 block of South State Highway 34 around 11 p.m. on December 8, 2024, near a Super 8 motel.
During the stop, Candanoza requested backup. Shortly thereafter, the department received two 911 calls reporting that an officer had been shot, department spokesperson Mary Hauger shared during a Monday press conference.
Responding officers arrived at the scene and confirmed that Candanoza had sustained gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Despite his critical condition, Officer Candanoza managed to relay the suspect’s license plate number to dispatchers.
This critical information allowed law enforcement, including state Highway Patrol and off-duty officers, to locate the vehicle and pursue the suspect into Van Zandt County.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident, officials reported.
“We want to extend our deepest condolences to Officer Candanoza’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Hauger.
Officer Candanoza joined the Terrell Police Department on July 15, 2024. His untimely death has deeply shaken the community and his colleagues.
Terrell, located approximately 30 miles east of Dallas, mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant. Further details about the suspect and the investigation will be shared as they become available.
Jackson, Miss. – Authorities are investigating a violent assault and attempted robbery that took place in the stadium parking lot of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).
The incident occurred as the victim, identified as Morgan McGuire, was leaving work.
McGuire reported that she was approached by a stranger who initially demanded money.
However, despite her verbal and physical attempts to surrender her purse, the attacker ignored her offer and proceeded to assault her.
“He asked for my money, so I verbally and physically offered him my purse, but he ignored me. He threw me to the ground and kept beating me,” McGuire recalled.
During the assault, she was punched, choked, and thrown to the ground while her attacker repeatedly threatened to shoot her.
Although the suspect demanded her purse, McGuire noted that the attack did not appear to be motivated by robbery alone.
The assault only ended when a passerby intervened, which McGuire described as occurring “after what felt like forever.”
UMMC confirmed that the UMMC Police Department, in coordination with Capitol Police, is actively investigating the attack.
“We take seriously the safety of everyone on our campus and will continue to work with our partners, including Capitol Police and other law enforcement, to uphold this commitment,” UMMC stated.
Authorities have not yet released a description of the suspect, and it remains unclear whether any arrests have been made.
Officials urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.