Crime
Suspect Taylor Floyd-Sutton produced semi-automatic handgun before officer-involved shooting in Lubbock
LUBBOCK, Texas — The Lubbock Police Department has identified Taylor Floyd-Sutton, 22, as the suspect injured during an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday night, police confirmed Tuesday.
According to Police Chief Seth Herman, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:32 p.m. to a reported domestic disturbance in the 2100 block of 18th Street.
Upon arrival, an officer located Floyd-Sutton walking with a female who was believed to be the victim near 18th Street and Avenue U.
Chief Herman stated that when the officer exited his patrol vehicle, Floyd-Sutton immediately fled on foot, climbing a fence and attempting to evade police.
The officer pursued him as Floyd-Sutton moved toward a nearby residence and then ran into an open lot.
During the pursuit, the officer repeatedly ordered Floyd-Sutton to show his hands, police said.
According to Chief Herman, Floyd-Sutton then produced a semi-automatic handgun and pointed it toward the officer, prompting the officer to discharge his service weapon.
Following the shooting, officers immediately rendered life-saving aid to Floyd-Sutton until emergency medical personnel arrived.
He was transported to University Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
A handgun that did not belong to the officer was recovered at the scene. Chief Herman noted that the entire incident, from initial contact to the shooting, occurred in approximately 42 seconds.
Floyd-Sutton has been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant.
The officer involved, who has been with the department for two years, has been placed on routine administrative leave, in accordance with department policy.
The incident remains under investigation.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.