By TopTrendReportTv
August 31, 2024
The Dallas Police Department gave an emotional update after Officer Darron Burks was fatally shot, stating that the former high school teacher was "executed" while performing his duties.
During a press conference on Friday, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Burks as a "brother" and a "hero" to the department.
"As a department and as a family, we are heartbroken," Garcia said. "Last night, we lost a brother, a hero. Officer Darron Burks was a son, a nephew, a friend to many, and he was senselessly and tragically murdered while serving our community."
The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. on Thursday near the Oak Cliff Community Center. Burks was killed, and two other officers were injured. The alleged shooter, identified as 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, was killed in a confrontation with police after a high-speed chase.
"We nearly lost other officers as well," Garcia noted. "These officers risked their lives to protect their fellow officer, and it's only by the grace of God that they survived."
Garcia emphasized that the attack was a targeted execution, not an ambush, as some had speculated. "Our officers were targeted simply because of the uniforms they wear and the honorable work they do," he said. "I want to be clear—the word 'ambush' has been mentioned in the last 24 hours, but that's not accurate. Officer Burks was executed."
Garcia detailed that Cobb-Bey had approached Burks, initiated a conversation while recording the interaction on his cellphone, and then suddenly pulled out a handgun and fired. There is no evidence that Burks and Cobb-Bey knew each other.
"Cobb-Bey approached Officer Burks, spoke with him briefly at the driver's side window, and recorded the encounter with his cellphone," Garcia explained. "Then, the suspect drew a handgun and executed Officer Burks as he sat in his patrol vehicle."
Police responded to a 911 call reporting an officer in distress and found Burks critically injured in his marked patrol car.
At 10:11 p.m., Senior Corporal Jamie Farmer arrived on the scene in response to a call for backup. Cobb-Bey opened fire on Farmer, who returned fire. During the exchange, Cobb-Bey grabbed a shotgun and shot Farmer in the leg. A minute later, Senior Corporal Karissa David arrived, and Cobb-Bey fired at her as she exited her vehicle, hitting her in the face.
Officers continued to exchange gunfire with Cobb-Bey, resulting in two additional officers being shot. The pursuit ended with Cobb-Bey being fatally shot after a high-speed chase on Interstate 35 from Dallas to Lewisville.
Burks had previously worked as a high school math teacher at Texas Can Academy's Pleasant Grove Campus. His desire to serve his community led him to join the police force, according to FOX 4.
"Last year, Officer Burks made the courageous decision to leave his teaching career to serve our city as a Dallas Police officer. His commitment to helping others, both as an educator and as an officer, showed his dedication to positively impacting the lives of those around him," wrote Tina Shaw, the principal at Texas Can Academy's Pleasant Grove Campus.
A former student, Adrian Coleman, shared how Burks had mentored troubled youth. "As a troubled youth, he made sure to teach me valuable lessons and provided me with the tools I needed to graduate and succeed in life," Coleman said to a local news outlet. "I am very grateful for him and the time he invested in me."
Officer Burks, who was a rookie, had joined the Dallas Police Academy last year.
Wrongful death.. 🙏🏾
Sad