Sen. Peter P. Flores (TX-24) issued a statement Sunday expressing condolences and calling for prayers following the fatal shooting of Copperas Cove Police Officer Elijah Garretson.
“This officer placed his life in harm’s way trying to protect public safety and paid the ultimate price,” Flores said in Jan. 11’s statement.
Flores described the loss as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily and asked Texans to keep Garretson’s family, friends and fellow officers in their prayers.
Garretson, 27, was shot and killed Saturday while attempting to apprehend a fugitive at the intersection of Great Hills Drive and Lost Trail in Copperas Cove, according to the Copperas Cove Police Department.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jamison Cavazos, 26, who fled the scene after the shooting.
Following a lengthy negotiation attempt, Cavazos took his own life, officials said.
Police reported that Cavazos had two pistols in his possession.
Garretson was transported to Advent Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation, and no further details have been released, officials said.
According to KWTX, Garretson graduated from the Central Texas College Police Academy as the honor graduate of his class and earned the Academic Award for the highest grade point average. He had previously served with the First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood and had been with the Copperas Cove Police Department for just over a year.
Law enforcement officers and firefighters from across Central Texas honored Garretson with a procession Sunday as his body was escorted to a medical examiner’s office in North Texas.
Community members also gathered at a memorial outside the Copperas Cove Police Department to pay their respects.
.png)
