27-year-old Greenville police officer fatally shot in the line of duty
GREENVILLE — A Greenville police officer who was injured in a shooting Monday night has died, the Greenville Police Department said.
Officer Cooper Dawson, 27, was conducting a traffic stop around 7:40 p.m. that led to a foot pursuit near 3500 Pickett Street. While pursuing the suspect, Dawson was ambushed and shot multiple times, police said.
Police said that despite his critical injuries, Dawson returned fire, striking the suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Christian Robert Sparger.
Dawson and the suspect were taken to local hospitals. Dawson died from his injuries early Tuesday morning. Greenville police said this is the first line of duty death for the department in over 100 years. Greenville police said Tuesday Sparger was in critical condition.
"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."
Neighbors told CBS News Texas that they heard a few gunshots, a pause, then dozens of other gunshots and police yelling "get down." Investigators were at the scene overnight bagging evidence.
"Honor Dawson, honor what he did. This was a perfect example of heroic acts that are done by police officers every day," said Smith. "Dawson was wounded and despite being wounded he applied his own tourniquet."
All morning, dozens of patrol vehicles from North Texas cities surrounded Medical City Plano, where Dawson was airlifted. A memorial also began to grow outside Greenville PD headquarters.
"Cecilia & I are saddened by the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a post on X. "Officer Dawson made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community in Greenville. Please join us in prayer for his family, loved ones, & the Greenville Police Department during this devastating time."
Greenville PD said Dawson was a highly respected member of the department. Prior to joining Greenville PD, Dawson served with the Garland Police Department. He was also a military veteran with the National Guard and had been with the Greenville Police Department for over a year and a half. He was also a member of the SWAT team and an instructor for fellow officers.
Garland PD said Dawson was a friend to many at the police department, and was a devoted husband, father and loving family man.
"He wore the Garland PD badge with pride for seven years, dedicating himself to the safety and well-being of our community and Greenville PD," Garland PD said in a statement. "We pray for comfort for Cooper's family, friends, and those he knew, served with and loved."
Family members and mourners gathered at Royse City High School for a prayer vigil Tuesday night. Dawson's family did not want to speak publicly but said the show of support they've seen from the community means the world to them. Funeral services for Dawson are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3 at Lake Pointe Church, located at 701 E. Interstate 30 in Rockwall. Chapel doors will open at 9 a.m. for the general public to pay their respects and the service will begin at 10 a.m.
The Texas Department of Public Safety's Texas Rangers will investigate.
Sparger, the suspect, was wanted for three probation violation warrants and one parole violation warrant, according to Greenville PD. The probation violation warrants were for two charges of aggravated assault and continuous family violence. Greenville police said there are no bonds for these three charges. The parole warrant was for a separate charge of assault with a $4,000.00 bond. He was arraigned Wednesday on the four charges as well as for capital murder. His bond was set at $5,000,000.
Greenville is about 30 miles east of McKinney, in Hunt County.