DPS Trooper Shot, Killed In Freestone County; Suspect Apprehended
FREESTONE COUNTY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper was shot and killed Thursday in Freestone County, just south of Fairfield on Interstate-45 at Mile Marker 179.
It happened around 3:45 p.m.
The trooper, Damon Allen, had pulled over a driver for a traffic violation and when the trooper returned to his patrol unit, the suspect fired multiple shots at him with a rifle, according to the DPS.
The suspect got away, but according to the Navarro County Emergency Management Office, suspect Dabrett Black, 32, was in police custody shortly before 9:00 p.m.
They found him in a wooded area.
Black was being treated for a K-9 bite.
The Waller County Sheriff's Department said Black drove into Waller County and shots have been fired in the area of Liendo Parkway and Wyatt Chapel, before he was captured.
Hundreds of officers were said to have been involved in the six-hour manhunt.According to DPS, Black had been in trouble with the law for drug possession charges and assault on a public servant in 2015.
The DPS released the following statement on the death of Trooper Damon Allen:
"Our DPS family is heartbroken tonight after one of Texas' finest law enforcement officers was killed in the line of duty," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. "Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Damon Allen was a loving husband and father of three, and we ask for your prayers for his entire family and his many friends and colleagues during the difficult days ahead. Trooper Allen's dedication to duty, and his bravery and selfless sacrifice on this Thanksgiving Day, will never be forgotten."
Trooper Allen, 41, joined the department in 2002.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statement regarding the trooper's death in the line of duty.
"I am saddened to hear of the tragic death of a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper killed today in Freestone County. This trooper died selflessly serving Texas. Please join Angela and me as we pray for the trooper's family and for the entire Department of Public Safety."
Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement as well.
"With heavy hearts on this Thanksgiving, Cecilia and I express our most sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the Trooper who was callously killed today in the line of duty. As law enforcement continues to search for the individual responsible for this heinous crime, I ask that all of Texas keep this Trooper and his brothers and sisters in blue in their thoughts and prayers. The killer will face justice, and the State of Texas will continue to offer our unwavering support for the men and women in law enforcement who keep our communities safe."
