'We are hurting': Texas police officer — a husband and father of 3 — gunned down in 'ambush'



A Texas police officer — a husband and father of three — was fatally shot in the line of duty in an "ambush" Monday.

The Greenville Police Department stated in a press release that Officer Cooper Dawson initiated a traffic stop around 7:40 p.m. Greenville is about 75 minutes northeast of Dallas.

'We are heartbroken over the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect our community.'

The suspect reportedly fled the traffic stop, and Dawson allegedly pursued the suspect on foot.

Police noted that Dawson, 27, was "ambushed and shot multiple times" while pursuing the suspect.

Despite suffering critical injuries, Dawson reportedly "displayed exceptional courage, returning fire, and striking the suspect."

Following the shooting, both Dawson and the suspect were rushed to Hunt County Regional Hospital.

Dawson's condition was so severe that authorities had to airlift him to Medical City Plano where he later died.

Dawson's death reportedly was the first in the line of duty within the Greenville Police Department in more than 100 years.

The Dallas Morning News identified the alleged cop-killer as 25-year-old Christian Robert Sparger.

Citing Denton County court records, the Morning News said Sparger pleaded guilty last year to charges of aggravated assault and continuous violence in a separate case.

The paper also said Sparger was arrested in 2017 and 2018 for marijuana possession, public intoxication, and failure to identify as a fugitive with intent to provide false information.

"Officer Dawson was a highly respected member of the Greenville Police Department and had previously served with the Garland Police Department," Greenville Police stated. "His dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to protecting the Greenville community will never be forgotten."

Before leaving the Garland Police Department in 2023, Dawson purportedly earned 10 certificates of merit, a dozen commendations, and two bars for saving a life.

Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith declared, "We are heartbroken over the loss of Officer Cooper Dawson, who selflessly put his life on the line to serve and protect our community. We ask that you keep Officer Dawson’s family, our department, and the Greenville community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

According to KXAS-TV, Smith added, "We are hurting. We are hurting as a department. We are hurting as a community. Today, we honor him as a hero, a husband, a father, and a friend. The grief we feel is indescribable."

Smith also said, "We lost a good man today. He was an excellent officer. Today, we honor him as a hero, a husband, a father, and a friend. The grief we feel is indescribable."

Greenville Police displayed a squad car in front of its department in memory of Dawson.

At 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Greenville Police featured a procession of Dawson's remains through the city streets as a tribute to him.

Dawson also served with the U.S. Army National Guard.

Details regarding memorial services for Dawson's family will be announced in the coming days, police said.

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Concealed-carrying food vendor in Chicago serves up lethal dish for thug who pulls gun on him



A Chicago food vendor who was carrying concealed fatally shot a male who pulled a gun on him Friday night.

Chicago police told WLS-TV the shooting occurred in the South Austin neighborhood's 300 block of South Central Avenue just before 9 p.m.

'Good outcome. The robber won't be turned loose on the street by the useless court system to reoffend.'

The male approached the 35-year-old food vendor, and a brief struggle ensued, police told the station.

Police said the male pulled out a gun, and the food vendor — who has a concealed carry license — also took out a gun, WLS reported.

In an exchange of gunfire, the male who approached the food vendor suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body, and he was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, the station said.

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the male who was killed as 34-year-old Demitrius Manning, WLS noted.

The food vendor was shot in his right arm, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police added to the station.

Police told WLS the incident is being investigated as an attempted robbery and that there were two guns at the scene.

How are people reacting?

Individuals posting comments under the WLS Facebook post about the incident seem to be squarely in the food vendor's corner.

  • "Great news this time around," one commenter wrote.
  • "Thank goodness he was able to protect himself," another user noted.
  • "Good," another commenter said. "[People] are tired and starting to fight back."
  • "We need more of this," another user declared. "Good guys and girls with guns. Only way to stop bad people with guns."
  • "Good outcome," another commenter stated. "The robber won't be turned loose on the street by the useless court system to reoffend."
  • "I’m so glad the food vendor is OK," another user said. "We should all buy from this hard-working person. He deserves a medal."
  • "He better not have to go through a trial," another commenter wrote.
  • "Hell yeah love this!!!" another user exclaimed. "Stop messing with [people]."
  • "Score one for the good guy," another commenter opined.

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Man charged with murder after leaving car running while at ATM, shooting crook in head who jumped into car and drove off



A man was charged with murder after leaving his car running Friday while at an ATM in Philadelphia and shooting a male in the head who jumped into the car and drove off.

Officers responded after 3 p.m. to a shooting call at Frankford Avenue and Pratt Street, which is in the northeast section of the city, KYW-TV reported.

Police on Sunday said 39-year-old Sherwayne Garrison was charged with murder, KYW reported in a follow-up story.

Police told the station that a man using the ATM left his car running, and a male jumped into the car in an attempt to steal it. According to WPVI-TV, the 48-year-old male who jumped into the car ended up driving off with it — and the car owner fired one gunshot and hit the male in the head.

Police told WPVI the wounded male crashed the Honda into another car at Pratt Street outside the Frankford Transportation Center. Police added to KYW that the man who pulled the trigger is a licensed gun owner.

The police homicide unit told KYW the male who was shot was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. the same day.

Authorities said Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Police took the man who pulled the trigger into custody, KYW added.

Police on Sunday said 39-year-old Sherwayne Garrison was charged with murder, KYW reported in a follow-up story. The deceased 48-year-old's identity isn't known at this time, the station also said.

You can view a video report here about the shooting. It aired prior to police filing the murder charge.

How are people reacting?

As you might guess, the murder charges elicited strong reactions. Here are a handful of comments under a pair of KYW Facebook posts about the situation:

  • "Saw this coming," one commenter said. "As sad as it is, he was under no immediate threat, and the guy was running away from him. Sad that the criminals have more rights than we do. Hope he has a good lawyer."
  • "Stupid law...what [is] the guy supposed to do...let the criminal steal his car??" another user asked.
  • "So we can't defend ourselves and/or our properties now!" another commenter exclaimed. "This will open doors to criminals and push them to hurt good citizens more!"
  • "Not a surprise, always defending the criminals," another user noted.

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Kentucky sheriff who was accused of fatally shooting judge in his chambers indicted for murder



A Kentucky sheriff who was accused of fatally shooting a district judge in his chambers two months ago was indicted for murder Thursday.

Prosecuting attorney Jackie Steele said after a grand jury returned the indictment that he couldn't comment on an alleged motive, although police previously said Shawn “Mickey” Stines — then-sheriff of Letcher County — and Judge Kevin Mullins had argued just before the Sept. 19 shooting, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

'Everything seemed fine between them. There was no clue that anything was wrong at all. You wouldn't have guessed there was the slightest problem.'

Judge Julia H. Adams received the indictment and set Stines’ arraignment for next Monday, the paper said.

Stines turned himself in after the shooting and was charged with first-degree murder, the New York Times reported, citing police. He retired as sheriff less than two weeks after the shooting.

Stines — who's accused of shooting Mullins eight times — pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.

The shooting was captured on surveillance video. You can view the surveillance clip here; it omits the actual shots being fired, and it's included in a larger video report about the shooting. Spectators cried out in the Morgan County courtroom as the video played during a hearing last month, WDKY-TV reported.

Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that the full video of the shooting shows Stines using his own phone to make multiple calls, then using the judge’s phone to make a call, the Louisville Courier Journal reported, adding that the shooting followed.

Stamper testified that the calls were to Stines’ daughter, the Courier Journal noted, and he said the phone number of Stines' daughter had been saved in the judge's phone and was called before the shooting. Stamper also said Stines stood up from his chair in the judge’s office after looking at Mullins’ phone and shot him seconds later, the Herald-Leader said.

The shooting is particularly curious since Stines and Mullins reportedly had been decades-long friends.

Image source: Letcher County Sheriff's Office Facebook page (left); letchercounty.ky.gov (right)

What's more, the pair went to lunch at the Streetside Grill & Bar on Main Street just hours before the shooting, the Daily Mail reported. A restaurant employee told the outlet that Stines and Mullins ordered their usual lunch — both having chicken wings with salad.

"Everything seemed fine between them. There was no clue that anything was wrong at all," an employee said. "You wouldn't have guessed there was the slightest problem."

A woman who reportedly works for the Letcher County Sheriff’s Office also gave her phone to investigators for examination, WDKY said, adding that Stamper testified that she was one of Stines’ employees and believed she’d received text messages from Stines that noted what occurred at lunch and led to the shooting.

Under cross-examination, Stamper said that when Stines "was taken into custody, I was told by one of the other officers that were there that he made the comment, ‘They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid,'" WDKY added.

More from the Herald-Leader:

The crime could be eligible for the death penalty if Stines is convicted because Mullins was a public official. Steele, who is prosecuting the case with Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office, said there had been no decision yet on whether to seek the death penalty against Stines if he is convicted. However, Stines’ attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has said that he does not think the murder is the appropriate charge in the case.

Bartley said at the Oct. 1 hearing that the evidence offered there pointed to the shooting as being an act of “extreme emotional disturbance” in reaction to something Stines had seen on Mullins’ phone.

There was no information at the hearing about what was on the phone. If a jury decided Stines acted out of extreme emotional disturbance, he couldn’t be convicted of murder, but rather first-degree manslaughter or a lesser crime. The death penalty would not be an option in that case.

You can view a video report here about Thursday's murder indictment.

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Concealed-carrying motorcyclist fatally shoots alleged road-rage driver who charged at him with hammer, police say



A concealed-carrying motorcyclist fatally shot an alleged road-rage driver who charged at him with a hammer in Maryland last week, police said.

Anne Arundel County police said the 22-year-old motorcyclist was traveling near Maryland Route 10 and Furnace Branch Road around 8:20 p.m. Thursday when he noticed another vehicle tailgating him and driving erratically, WBAL-TV reported.

Police said the motorcyclist has a Maryland concealed handgun carry permit and that he remained at the scene, WBAL reported.

"I heard a pop. I thought it sounded like gunfire. Ten to 15 minutes later, started having police and everything show up," Hyung Chang — owner of Against Our Odds Vape Shop in Glen Burnie — told WBAL.

Police said 51-year-old Scott David Guhse of Glen Burnie pulled alongside the motorcyclist and shouted at him, and the pair nearly collided, the station reported.

"At a certain point, he was sort of forced off the road, and then stopped," Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy told the station. "He ultimately had to lay down his bike."

Guhse and the motorcyclist came to a stop on East Furnace Branch Road at Margate Drive where Guhse allegedly charged toward the motorcyclist with a hammer, police told WBAL.

The motorcyclist told police he drew his handgun and shot Guhse, the station said, adding that fire officials said Guhse died at the scene.

Police said the motorcyclist has a Maryland concealed handgun carry permit and that he remained at the scene, WBAL reported.

Mulcahy told the station officials are trying to piece things together; police told WBAL that the incident is being investigated as an assault and homicide.

Those with information should call police at 410-222-4731, or the Anne Arundel County police tip line at 410-222-4700, or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP, the station said.

"It's unfortunate," vape shop owner Chang told the station, adding that at least once a month along the road he sees "people popping off, screaming at each other. People have to learn to tone things down a little bit and not take things so personal."

- YouTube youtu.be

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Armed intruder breaks into home after midnight. But homeowner's son also has a gun — and permanently takes care of business.



An armed intruder broke into a Florida home after midnight Sunday — but the homeowner's adult son also had a gun and fatally shot the intruder.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it received a call at 12:23 a.m. regarding an armed residential burglary in the 3000 block of Double D Ranch Trail in Ruskin. Ruskin is on the shore of Tampa Bay and is about a half hour south of the city of Tampa.

'This is a happy ending! Another reason why every law abiding person should be a trained gun owner.'

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the suspect dead from multiple gunshot wounds, the sheriff's office said.

The deputies' investigation determined that the homeowner's adult son shot the suspect after he broke into the home, the sheriff's office said, adding that the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Image source: Hillsborough County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office

The Tampa Bay Times, citing deputies, identified the break-in suspect as 46-year-old Tony Sei. The Times, citing deputies, said Sei was armed with a handgun.

"Imagine the fear of being awoken in the middle of the night to a stranger invading your home," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This is every homeowner's greatest fear, a dangerous and brazen individual breaking in, showing a complete disregard for the safety and security of others. Our thoughts are with this family as they recover from the trauma of this event."

The sheriff's office said the investigation is active and that any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.

How are people reacting?

Nearly 200 comments have appeared under the sheriff's office Facebook post about the break-in. The following is a sampling:

  • "This is a happy ending!" one commenter declared. "Another reason why every law abiding person should be a trained gun owner."
  • "FAFO quick! Glad the family is safe! Great job homeowners," another user noted.
  • "Anyone who knows that block would not try that," another commenter opined, adding that "most are good country folk and we love guns FAFO!"
  • "Outstanding job!" another user exclaimed. "That’s one taxpayers don’t have to pay to house, feed and defend."

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Security guard fatally shoots male who held gun to his head, threatened to kill him; prosecutors say guard won't be charged



A security guard fatally shot a male who held a gun to his the back of his head and threatened to kill him two months ago in Aurora, Colorado — and prosecutors on Monday said the guard acted in self-defense and won't be charged, KUSA-TV reported.

Police responded about 9 p.m. Aug. 31 to a report of a shooting outside a 7-Eleven in the 12000 block of East Colfax, the station said.

'He did his job, and he defended himself in the process.'

Prosecutors said Vernon Dorsey approached the guard, who was walking in front of the store, and placed a handgun to the back of the guard's head, KUSA said. Dorsey ordered the guard to hand over his gun and threatened to kill him, the station added.

KUSA said Dorsey and the guard fought as Dorsey attempted to disarm the guard.

But instead, the guard got hold of his own gun and shot Dorsey in the chest, KUSA said.

When officers arrived, they found Dorsey with a gunshot wound, the station said, adding that Dorsey later died. Dorsey was 36 years old, KUSA said in an earlier story.

The District Attorney’s Office and the Aurora Police Department agreed after reviewing evidence that the guard fired his weapon in self-defense and was legally justified, KUSA said.

Anything else?

The station said the guard was taken to police headquarters and questioned and that police at the time believed the guard was acting in self-defense.

The private company that supplies the guards for 7-Eleven — Iron Spear Protection Group LLC — said in a statement at the time that it's backing the guard in question with "absolute certainty" after reviewing the incident, KUSA reported.

Iron Spear's president stated at the time of the incident that the guard was in good condition and with his family, the station added.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters under KUSA's Facebook post about the incident were solidly behind the guard's actions:

  • "Good work, sir, here is a raise," one commenter said.
  • Good," another user added. "He did his job, and he defended himself in the process."
  • "Happy ending feel-good story!!!" another commenter exclaimed.

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Male breaks into rural home, makes threats, ignores gun-toting resident's warning to stop. It ends badly for intruder.



A resident of a rural Illinois home fatally shot an intruder early Friday morning, Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds told the Effingham Daily News.

“At 5:25 a.m., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a home invasion in progress at a rural Herrick address within Shelby County,” McReynolds said in a press release, the paper said. “The suspect was identified as Wade M. Barnes, 19 years old, of Cowden. Barnes was known by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office due to prior involvements, including a current criminal case.”

It seems Barnes was in trouble with the law earlier this month. He was charged Oct. 9 with aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner's Identification Card, transporting liquor by a driver under 21, damage to property greater than $300, and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Barnes was threatening the home's occupants, the Daily News said, and McReynolds noted that an occupant retrieved a gun and verbally warned Barnes to stop.

“Barnes continued into the residence, ignoring the warning,” McReynolds said, according to the paper. “Shots were fired in the direction of Barnes, striking him. EMS was dispatched. EMS transported to Good Shepherd Hospital, in Shelbyville, where he succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced deceased at 7:16 a.m.”

The Daily News said the sheriff's office is investigating the incident, and state police, the Shelby County Coroner, and the Shelby County State’s Attorney have been contacted to assist with the investigation.

What else do we know about the suspect?

It seems Barnes was in trouble with the law earlier this month. He was charged Oct. 9 with aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner's Identification Card, transporting liquor by a driver under 21, damage to property greater than $300, and operating an uninsured vehicle, according to the paper, which cited online court records. Barnes' next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 20, the Daily News said.

Barnes also was charged on May 18, 2023, with aggravated fleeing and speeding 35 miles per hour over the speed limit, the paper said, adding that the fleeing charge was dismissed. Barnes paid a fine and was ordered to driver education and community service, the Daily News noted.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters under WICS-TV's Facebook post about the incident were decidedly behind the individual who ended the break-in threat. Here are a handful of those reactions:

  • "It’s about time people start defending themselves again!!! Great job!!!" one commenter wrote.
  • "If you are going to engage in criminal activity, you accept the consequences," another user added. "I did not get shot recently; probably because I don't do crimes. Hmmmmm."
  • "The criminals' anthem... another one bites the dust!" another commenter stated.
  • "Justice is served," another user declared.

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Man won't be charged after fatally shooting teen who shot up HS party. But homeowner who allegedly allowed party is arrested.



A man won't be charged after fatally shooting a teen who opened fire at an Indiana high school party earlier this month — but the homeowner who allegedly allowed the party to happen has been arrested on felony charges.

Fort Wayne police on Monday arrested Joanna Eastes, 42, on charges of neglect of a dependent and furnishing property for the purpose of enabling minors to consume alcohol, both of which are felonies, WANE-TV reported. The station said Eastes also was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor, and was being held at the Allen County Jail.

Police told WPTA one partygoer returned fire with his own handgun — fatally shooting Ivy — and won't face criminal charges 'as his actions were justified under established Indiana self-defense law.'

WANE, citing Allen County property records, reported that Eastes is the owner of a home in the 4900 block of Manistee Drive where a group of mostly high schoolers met for an Oct. 19 party.

The Halloween party was advertised on social media, investigators told WPTA-TV, adding that partygoers were told to bring their own alcohol and marijuana — and were patted down for weapons before entering the home.

Police told WPTA the “party quickly got out of hand,” and the parent of a household member hosting the party “retreated to her bedroom and locked the door” without calling police about the situation.

When 17-year-old Willie Ivy III and his friends arrived at the party, police told WPTA they went to the back door to avoid being patted down and forced their way inside when a couple of attendees tried to stop them.

Ivy then pulled out a handgun and began firing shots as he walked through the back door, kitchen, and living room, police told WPTA.

Nine party attendees — ranging in age from 14 to 20 years old — were struck by bullets from Ivy's gun, WPTA added. Their wounds reportedly weren't life-threatening, WANE said.

Police told WPTA one partygoer returned fire with his own handgun — fatally shooting Ivy — and won't face criminal charges “as his actions were justified under established Indiana self-defense law.” WPTA-TV said in its video report that the man who fatally shot Ivy was one of the victims wounded by Ivy's shots.

Ivy — a student at North Side High School — was found in the yard of a home and was pronounced dead at the scene, WANE reported.

The following video news report about the fatal shooing aired prior to Eastes' arrest:

- YouTube youtu.be

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Armed homeowner in New Mexico confronts alleged intruder who broke in before 4 a.m. It doesn't end well for uninvited guest.



A homeowner in New Mexico fatally shot an alleged intruder who broke into a residence early Tuesday morning, Bernalillo County deputies told KOB-TV.

The station said deputies responded to a call around 3:45 a.m. about an intruder at a home near Lost Horizon Drive on the West Mesa, the station said. The area is part of Albuquerque.

'That’s why we have our 2nd Amendment!!!'

The homeowner reported shooting the intruder, the sheriff's office told KOB.

Arriving deputies found the alleged intruder critically injured and tried life-saving measures on the individual, the station said.

Medics took the suspect to a hospital, but the suspect died, KOB reported.

Sheriff's office detectives who work on violent crimes and homicides are investigating the incident, the station said.

How are observers reacting?

Plenty of people are reacting to KOB's story on the station's Facebook page. Here's a sampling of what they had to say:

  • "Unfortunately we have to protect our own because by the time police show up — if they show up — it's too late," one commenter wrote. "We all work hard for our things and need [to] protect our families. When [suspects are] arrested, they're just let right back out to do it all over again..."
  • "This is great news! More criminals need this fate!" another user concluded.
  • "This was totally warranted!" another commenter said. "Good job protecting yourself, family, & your home! There needs to be ... repercussions for the outrageous amount of crime in this city."
  • "Good job!!!" another commenter exclaimed. "That’s why we have our 2nd Amendment!!!"
  • "Good," another commenter noted before adding, "Tired of this crap. When [they're] in your home, you gotta protect it. I stand for the homeowner. Job well done."
  • "Finally some good news today," another user stated before adding, "Great job on protecting your family and what’s yours. Sends a perfect message to thieves; [we've] had enough of their BS."

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