Texas Police Officer Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop

TERRELL, Texas -- A Terrell police officer was shot and killed Sunday during a traffic stop.

Here’s what we know so far:

Officer Jacob Candanoza pulled a vehicle over around 11 p.m. in the 1600 block of South State Highway 34 and requested more officers respond to the location. Moments later, Terrell police dispatchers received two 911 calls reporting an officer shot. A citizen also used their radio to report the shooting. Police, firefighters and CareFlight responded.

Candanoza was taken to Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Forney, where he died, police said.

Upon initiating the traffic stop, Candanoza provided a license plate number of a gray Chevrolet Colorado pickup with Mississippi license plates. Texas Highway Patrol and off-duty officers were able to identify the vehicle and pursue it into Van Zandt County, police said.

The suspect eventually crashed the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area, KDFW-TV (Channel 4) reported. He was later taken into custody, according to the station.

Candanoza joined the Terrell Police Department since July. He leaves behind a wife and young child.

Candanoza was the first officer killed in Terrell since 1980, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Original Story:

TERRELL, Texas -- A Terrell police officer died after being shot during a traffic stop Sunday, officials said.

Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, pulled a vehicle over about 11 p.m. in the 1600 block of South State Highway 34 and requested more officers respond to the location, according to a news release.

Moments later, multiple people called 911 and a citizen used their radio to alert dispatchers that an officer had been shot. Police, firemen and CareFlite responded.

Police said Candanoza was taken to Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Forney, where he died.

Candanoza provided a license plate number when initiating the traffic stop, which allowed Texas Highway Patrol and off-duty officers to locate the vehicle and pursue it into Van Zandt County, Lt. Mary Hauger said during a news conference early Monday.

Candanoza was in a struggle with a man driving in a gray Chevrolet Colorado pickup with Mississippi license plates when he was shot, KDFW-TV ( Channel 4) reported, citing the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect drove away, eventually crashing the truck, then running away.

Candanoza had been an officer with the department since July. He leaves behind a wife and young child.