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BURLESON, TX– A manhunt is underway for three suspects who opened fire on a Burleson police officer early Wednesday morning, April 14th.
According to reports, the police officer is hospitalized after being shot multiple times while conducting a traffic stop.
The Burleson Police Department made the announcement on Twitter saying that the police officer, whos name has not yet been released, made a traffic stop at 4:15 a.m. along the 1100 block of Southwest Hillside Drive, near the Burleson High School Campus.
Burleson Police Chief Billy Cordell said that at some point during the stop, one of the three suspects inside the vehicle opened fire, striking the officer multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The suspects abandoned their vehicle a short distance away in the 700 block of John Jones Drive. It appears as though they tried to burn the vehicle, possibly in an attempt to conceal evidence.
NBC 5 reported that the officer was taken by another officer to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for treatment. He was “lucid and speaking” when he was being transported to the hospital. In a later news conference, Cordell described the officer’s condition as “stable.”
At 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, a Burleson Police officer made a traffic stop in the 1100-block is Hillside Drive. During the traffic stop the officer was shot multiple times. The officer was transported to John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth. His condition is unknown.
— Burleson Police (@BurlesonPolice) April 14, 2021
The officer was wearing a body camera, so Burleson police officers are using the footage to try to identify the suspects. A Fort Worth police helicopter was assisting in the search to canvas the area from overhead.
From the footage, officers have been able to determine that the suspects are two white men, and one white woman.
Cordell said that the wounded officer has served on the midnight shift for several years, adding that the incident comes as a shock to the department, NBC5 reported.
We send our prayers and support to Burleson Police Department and the officer's family.
At 4:15 am Wednesday, April 14, a Burleson Police officer made a traffic stop and was shot multiple times. The officer was transported to JPS hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.
— Flower Mound PD (@FlowerMoundPD) April 14, 2021
Cordell said:
“This is a surprise. Burleson’s a great, great community of people. This is certainly not anything we would expect to see, but it’s always a possibility,”
He added:
“This will be difficult on the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,”
Officers from various departments have shown up to JPS hospital to show their support for the wounded officer.
County Sheriff Bill Waybourn was among those who showed up, and he spoke to reporters, saying:
“You’re going to see police officers come in and out of here, and deputy sheriffs and constables — they’re all going to show up because that’s our brother out there and we know he’s our brother in arms. We want to make sure that he and his family are OK,”
He went on to say:
“We as a community will certainly get through this but it just reminds us of the day-to-day danger that our noble people in law enforcement see.”
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn just made comments to press. “This terrible tragedy — we believe and pray that it’s gonna turn out OK,” he said. pic.twitter.com/5NM1YJ3934
— Jack Howland (@JHowl04) April 14, 2021
Waybourn didn’t answer questions on the incident, referring those to Burleson PD. But he told press, “You’re gonna see police officers come in and out of here — and deputies and sheriffs and constables. They’re all gonna show up, because that’s our brother up there.” pic.twitter.com/zUgnvYiiGO
— Jack Howland (@JHowl04) April 14, 2021
Cordell said:
“We appreciate all of the support that we’re getting, the outpouring of support from so many people. Can’t tell you how much that means to us and to this officer,”
He continued:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and we ask our community to be praying for him as well.”
The Texas Rangers will take over the investigation. At this time, the suspects have not been apprehended, but the Burleson Police Department is asking anyone with any information to call 911.
At 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, a Burleson Police officer made a traffic stop in the 1100-block is Hillside Drive. During the traffic stop the officer was shot multiple times. The officer was transported to John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth. His condition is unknown.
— Burleson Police (@BurlesonPolice) April 14, 2021
This is not the first officer to be shot this month. Last week, Law Enforcement Today reported on a LAPD SWAT officer that was shot in the face during a standoff. Here is more on that.
