Police: Officer “Executed” In Dallas

DALLAS, TX – A Dallas police officer was killed late Thursday night in what police are calling an “execution.”

Darron Burks, 46, was a former teacher and graduated from the police academy just last December.

“I know that the word ambush has been thrown around in the last 24 hours or so,” Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said. “That’s not what happened here. Officer Burks was executed.”

Police say the suspect, 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, approached the officer in his squad car, recording the conversation on his phone. Then, he pulled out a handgun and shot officer Burks.

“When our officers arrived, they found a Dallas police officer who had been shot in his marked patrol vehicle,” said Kristin Lowman, director of communications at the Dallas Police Department. “Responding officers then exchanged gunfire with the suspect at that scene, and two officers were shot at that scene.”

One of those officers was treated and released. The other remains hospitalized.

Police say the suspect fled in his car. Officers pursued and the chase ended north of Dallas.

Police say officers shot the suspect after he pointed a shotgun at them. He died at the scene.

“Our officers were targeted for nothing more than the uniform they wear and for the brave and honorable job that they do,” Garica said.

The investigation is ongoing but police say the shooting was premeditated. 

At least 93 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty this year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.