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 Greenvilleโs 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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.