A Greenville police officer was killed in an ambush Monday night when police say he was gunned down while pursuing a man wanted for multiple felony warrants and who ran from a traffic stop.
According to Greenville Chief of Police Chris Smith, at about 7:40 p.m. Monday, 28-year-old police officer Cooper Dawson spotted a known violent offender with several felony warrants getting into a vehicle. Dawson attempted a traffic stop in a residential area along the 3500 block of Pickett Street and Smith said the man ran behind a house and that Dawson followed closely behind.
As Dawson rounded the corner behind the house, Smith said the man ambushed the officer and opened fire, shooting him several times.
We are hurting. We are hurting as a department. We are hurting as a community. Today, we honor him as a hero, a husband, a father, and a friend. The grief we feel is indescribable.
Chief Chris Smith, Greenville Police Department
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Smith said Dawson was able to return fire, critically wounding his attacker.
"Despite his critical injuries," Smith said, "Dawson displayed exceptional courage, returning fire and striking the suspect." After the shooting stopped, Smith said Dawson applied his own tourniquet before being taken to the hospital.
Police said Dawson and the gunman were transported to Hunt County Regional Hospital. Dawson was later airlifted to Medical City Plano, where he died at about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
While the identity of the person who shot Dawson has not been released, NBC 5 did confirm Tuesday morning that the person is alive. Smith said Tuesday afternoon the man is believed to be in critical condition but offered no further information about the man's injury or prognosis or share any details on the outstanding felony warrants.
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 Smith in a statement early Tuesday morning. "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 a decorated career in law enforcement with the Garland Police Department in December 2016. Before leaving Garland in 2023, Dawson earned 10 certificates of merit, 12 commendations, and two bars for saving a life.
Dawson joined the Greenville Police Department in April 2023, and Smith said that in just a year and a half, he'd already earned five commendations, served as an instructor, and joined the police department's tactical team.
"We lost a good man today. He was an excellent officer," said Smith. "Today, we honor him as a hero, a husband, a father, and a friend. The grief we feel is indescribable."
In front of the department, a memorial of flowers and balloons grew on and around a cruiser as friends and strangers alike came to pay their respects.
"You know, they’re out here trying to protect everybody and then something like this happens," said Greenville resident Chelsi Coker. “Right before Thanksgiving, I can’t imagine how they’re feeling right now.”
Tuesday night, hundreds gathered under the flag pole outside of Royse City High School for a prayer vigil to show support for Dawson's wife, Aubrey, who teaches in the district.
“If you could see, you could see hundreds and hundreds of people who’ve assembled on very short notice just to show you their love for you and that will continue over the coming days," said Superintendent Dr. Amy Anderson.
Dawson, who also served with the U.S. Army National Guard, is survived by his wife and three children.
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.
Details regarding memorial services and ways to support Dawson's family will be announced in the coming days, police said.
A procession honoring Dawson will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
