Barricaded Gunman Shoots, Kills Richardson Police Officer & Civilian
RICHARDSON (CBSDFW.COM) - A Richardson police officer and a civilian were both shot and killed at an apartment complex in the city on Wednesday evening. The gunman, identified Thursday morning as Brandon McCall, barricaded himself inside a unit for nearly five hours.
The officer, whose name has not been released, went to the Breckinridge Point Apartments near Renner Road and North Star Road around 7 p.m. in response to a disturbance call. After being shot the 37-year-old officer was rushed to Medical City Plano but died from his injuries. It's believed he was shot in the neck.
We are confirming that we have lost one of our own. Our officer is deceased. We are not identifying him at this time. We ask for your prayers during this tragedy. Thank you.
— Richardson Police (@RichardsonTX_PD) February 8, 2018
Police kept apartment residents inside their units as the standoff with McCall dragged on -- with the man randomly firing shots throughout the evening. Ultimately McCall surrendered. Witnesses said he shouted "I'm sorry" as he was taken into custody.
Governor Greg Abbott sent his condolences to the Richardson Police Department on Twitter saying "Your loss is a loss to all law enforcement and everyone in our great state. Texas will honor the lost officer with the dignity he deserves."
The hearts and soul of Texas mourn with you. Your loss is a loss to all law enforcement and everyone in our great state. Texas will honor the lost officer with the dignity he deserves. May God rest his soul. And may his legacy live on in others' service. #txlege #BackTheBlue https://t.co/oEetBYgN6x
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 8, 2018
Police departments across North Texas and the state also sent their support to the Richardson police force.
We extend our condolences to @RichardsonTX_PD tonight. We stand in solidarity with all of you. Our ???? breaks this evening. #ThinBlueLine #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/wqaywLW7oB
— Arlington Police, TX (@ArlingtonPD) February 8, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with @RichardsonTX_PD family. The hearts of the @Austin_Police family are saddened and broken during this difficult time. https://t.co/PPskMdRcnn
— Brian Manley (@Chief_Manley) February 8, 2018
Around the same time the suspect was taken into custody police announced that the second person who was shot had died. Early Thursday morning that victim was identified as Rene Gamez. The 30-year-old reportedly lived in the apartment where the suspect held police at bay during the standoff.
The officer who lost his life is the first Richardson Police Department officer to be killed in the line of duty since the department was first organized in 1955. The flag at RPD headquarters has been lowered to half-staff.
The Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas has started a fund for the family of the fallen officer.