Dallas Police Officer Fatally Shot in Targeted Attack

DALLAS – Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia revealed that Officer Darron Burks, who was tragically shot late Thursday night, was a victim of a targeted assault rather than an ambush. «Officer Burks was executed,» Garcia stated during a news conference held on Friday evening. He emphasized that officers were targeted solely for their uniform and the significant work that they do.

Officer Burks, 46, was shot in Oak Cliff while responding to an officer-in-distress call in the 900 block of E. Ledbetter Drive shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday. Responding officers discovered Burks wounded in his patrol vehicle, according to Kristin Lowman, a spokesperson for the Dallas Police Department.

According to Garcia, the suspect involved in the shooting, 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, approached Burks while he was stationed in a parking lot between calls. Following a brief conversation, Cobb-Bey pulled out a firearm and fatally shot Burks. Police dispatchers alerted authorities after hearing a sound from Burks’ radio, prompting immediate assistance.

During the incident, Cobb-Bey fired at responding officers, who ultimately shot and killed him. Authorities recovered multiple firearms from the scene, including two shotguns, a .22-caliber handgun, and a 9-millimeter handgun.

Three days prior to this tragic event, Cobb-Bey had approached an unmarked police unit, questioning the officer present. Additionally, he had posted about an event occurring the following day on social media. Following the shooting, Burks was pronounced dead, with one other officer in critical condition and another in stable condition following injuries sustained during the incident.

Reports from the hospital indicated that one of the injured officers is recovering well and may be released soon, while the female officer suffers from more serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Cobb-Bey fled the scene of the shooting, leading police on a chase that concluded in Lewisville, approximately 40 miles away from where the incident took place. The pursuit ended when Cobb-Bey exited his vehicle armed with a long gun, resulting in officers shooting him.

Both Baylor University Medical Center and Methodist Dallas Medical Center experienced a heavy police presence as officers paid their respects during a processional honoring Officer Burks at around 4 a.m. Friday.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson expressed deep condolences, stating, «Dallas has lost a hero. We all grieve with the officer’s family today and pray for a full and swift recovery for the two wounded officers.» He underscored the importance of public safety and the sacrifice made by the police officers.