x
Breaking News
More () »

Trooper killed identified; shooting suspect captured

The Texas state trooper who was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Thanksgiving has been identified as Damon Allen, 41. Allen, who was with the department since 2002 was a husband and father of three children.

The Texas Highway Patrol trooper who was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Thanksgiving has been identified as Damon Allen, 41.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, Allen stopped a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu for a traffic violation on southbound Interstate 45 just south of Fairfield in Freestone County.

Preliminary information indicates Trooper Allen approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver. He then returned to the patrol unit, and the suspect fired multiple shots from a rifle at Trooper Allen, who died at the scene.

Allen, who was with the department since 2002, was a husband and father of three children.

Dabrett Black 

The suspected gunman, identified as 32-year-old Dabrett Black of Lindale, fled the scene and was later captured in Waller County, northwest of Houston.

Shots were later reportedly fired in the area where the suspect was spotted fleeing on foot. Texas DPS troopers and multiple law enforcement agencies cornered Black before he was safely taken into custody at about 9 p.m. He was booked into the Brazos County Jail and charged with capital murder of a peace officer. As of Friday evening, Black was transported and booked into Freestone County Jail.

Police ready to salute fallen state trooper Damon Allen, 41, who was killed in the line of duty on Thanksgiving. Photo: Greg Johnson / WFAA

EMS was on scene to check the suspect's condition.

Black has a previous criminal history that includes evading arrest and violence toward law enforcement, authorities say.

In July, WFAA's sister station KYTX in Tyler reported Black was jailed in Smith County after a car chase with deputies. The chase ended when Black struck a patrol vehicle and both he and a deputy were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Black was charged with evading arrest, aggravated assault against a public servant, and reckless driving.

"Our DPS family is heartbroken tonight after one of Texas' finest law enforcement officers was killed in the line of duty," DPS Director Steven McCraw said. "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."

Governor Greg Abbott also reacted to the fatal shooting from his Twitter account.

"Sad on Thanksgiving to lose one of our state troopers in the line of duty," he wrote. "Prayers for his family. Swift justice for his killer."

Funeral services for Allen will be held on Friday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mexia High School Football Stadium in Mexia. Pastor Bryan Hallmark will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Salem Cemetery near Freestone.

Reporter Jason Whitely contributed to this report.

Before You Leave, Check This Out