Texas Police Officer Shot, Killed in Exchange of Gunfire with Suspect

Nov. 26, 2024

Greenville Police Officer Cooper Dawson was shot multiple times following the pursuit of a suspect, and he's the department's first officer line-of-duty death in over a century.

By Shambhavi Rimal

Source Fort Worth Star-Telegram

A Greenville police officer died and a suspect was injured during an exchange of gunfire on Monday night, Nov. 25.

The officer was shot multiple times following a pursuit around 8 p.m. in the 3500 block of Pickett Street and returned fire at the suspect, according to the Greenville Police Department.

Police said both the officer and the suspect were receiving medical attention. The officer later died at the hospital, KXAS-TV reported.

Police identified the officer as Cooper Dawson. He is the first Greenville officer to be killed in the line of duty in more than 100 years.

“We are heartbroken over the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect our community,” Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith told KXAS. “We ask that you keep Officer Dawson’s family, our department, and the Greenville community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers will be assisting with further investigation, police said.

“Our prayers go out to our community and to those who are injured as well as to their families,” police said in a social media post.

Greenville is about 85 miles northeast of Fort Worth.

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