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.
DALLAS, Texas – Surveillance video captures the moment 17-year-old Tracy Haynes entered a classroom, then returned to the hallway where he opened fire on a group of students before fleeing the scene.
Four students were injured, including three with gunshot wounds, after a shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in southern Dallas.
The incident marks the second shooting on the same campus in just over a year.
Dallas Independent School District (DISD) officials said the shooting was reported at approximately 1:00 p.m., prompting an immediate and large-scale emergency response.
Students were seen evacuating the main school building as police worked to secure the scene and search for the suspect.
According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, four students — ranging in age from 15 to 18 years old — were transported to area hospitals.
Three of the students sustained gunshot wounds, while a fourth suffered a musculoskeletal injury to the lower body.
Their injuries were described as ranging from serious to non-life-threatening.
“This is the unthinkable — and sadly, it’s becoming all too familiar,” said DISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
“No student, teacher, or parent should have to fear violence in a place meant for learning.”
The suspected gunman was identified shortly after the incident, and by 9:32 p.m., 17-year-old Tracy Haynes was taken into custody and booked into the Dallas County Jail.
He is charged with aggravated assault – mass shooting, and his bail was set at $600,000.
It is unclear at this time whether Haynes has obtained legal representation.
Officials confirmed the firearm used in the shooting did not enter the building during the school’s primary intake period, when students are screened through metal detectors and subject to clear backpack policies.
However, authorities declined to say how the weapon entered the premises, or what events led to the shooting inside the school.
“We can confirm that this was not a failure of our staff, of our protocols, or the equipment in place,” said Assistant Chief Christina Smith with the DISD Police Department. “But this is still a very fluid and ongoing investigation.”
More than 20 law enforcement units responded to the shooting, including Dallas ISD Police, the Dallas Police Department, and federal partners from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Texas Governor Greg Abbott was briefed on the situation and offered state resources to assist in the aftermath.
In response to the incident, district leaders announced that classes would be canceled for the remainder of the week, and counseling services would be made available to all students and staff affected by the shooting.
A reunification site was quickly established at Eagles Stadium, where parents were asked to bring photo identification to retrieve their children.
This incident comes almost exactly one year after a student was shot inside a classroom at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, further heightening concerns over school safety in the district.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.