A northeast Texas town is grieving this Thanksgiving week after Officer Cooper Dawson, 27, was tragically killed in the line of duty, marking the first such loss for the town in over a century. Dawson, a dedicated officer on the Greenville Police Department force, was fatally shot during a foot pursuit following a traffic stop.
According to authorities, Dawson was pursuing a suspect after a traffic stop when the suspect ambushed him, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds. Despite his injuries, Dawson displayed remarkable bravery by returning fire and striking the suspect before both were rushed to a local hospital. Dawson was later airlifted to a hospital in Plano, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Dawson, a husband and father of three, had joined the Greenville force in April 2023 after serving seven years with the Garland Police Department and in the Army National Guard. Police Chief Chris Smith praised Dawson's dedication to serving others, emphasizing his ultimate sacrifice in protecting the community.
Residents of Greenville fondly remembered Dawson as a friendly officer who deeply cared for his family and the community. He was known to frequent a local Italian restaurant during his dinner breaks, often taking the time to connect with his loved ones via FaceTime.
Chief Smith highlighted Dawson's heroic actions, noting that even after being injured, Dawson managed to return fire and apply a tourniquet to himself while awaiting medical assistance. Dawson's tragic death marks the first time a Greenville officer has been killed in the line of duty in over a century.
With 127 police officers killed in the line of duty in the US this year, Dawson's passing serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily. Texas, with 15 fallen officers in 2024, has seen the highest number of officer deaths in the country.
The suspect, Christian Robert Sparger, faces a capital murder charge in Hunt County and is being held on a $5 million bond. Dawson's family has requested privacy during this difficult time, with his funeral scheduled for Tuesday.
The circumstances surrounding the traffic stop that led to Dawson's death have not been disclosed. However, authorities revealed that Sparger had warrants for probation violations in Denton County, which would have resulted in his incarceration without bond.
Sparger's last known medical condition following the shooting was critical, and the legal proceedings in Hunt County are ongoing.
