A Greenville police officer was killed in an ambush Monday night when police say he was gunned down while pursuing a person who ran from a traffic stop.
According to the Greenville Police Department, at about 7:40 p.m. Monday, police officer Cooper Dawson stopped a driver in a residential area along the 3500 block of Pickett Street. Police said the traffic stop turned into a foot chase and Dawson followed a person behind a home.
"While pursuing the suspect behind the address of 3517 Pickett Street, Officer Dawson was ambushed and shot multiple times," Greenville police said in a statement early Tuesday.
Police said Dawson was able to return fire and injured his attacker.
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"Despite his critical injuries, officer Dawson displayed exceptional courage, returning fire and striking the suspect," Greenville police said.
Police said Dawson and the gunman were transported to Hunt County Regional Hospital. Dawson was later airlifted to Medical City Plano, where he died early Tuesday morning. While the identity the person who shot Dawson has not been released, NBC 5 did confirm Tuesday morning that the person is alive and believed to be in critical condition.
At the request of the Greenville Police Department, the Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the shooting. No other information about the investigation has been released.
Dawson's line of duty death is the first in Greenville 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," said Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith. "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."
Before joining the Greenville Police Department, Dawson attended the police academy in Garland and began his career in law enforcement with the Garland Police Department in December 2016. He spent nearly seven years in Garland before joining the Greenville PD in April 2023.
On Tuesday morning, the Garland Police Department remembered Dawson and said he was dedicated to public safety, wore the badge with pride, and was a friend to many in their department.
The Garland Police Department said Dawson was also "a devoted husband, father, and a loving family man."
Police officers from multiple departments, including both Greenville and Garland, gathered outside Medical City Plano in the hours following the shooting.
Details regarding memorial services and ways to support Dawson's family will be announced in the coming days, police said.
