After a Dallas police officer was fatally shot late Thursday night, his family has identified him to The Dallas Morning News as Darron Burks, a Lake Highlands High School alumni.
According to police, officers received calls of an officer in distress at approximately 10:10 pm in the 900 block of East Ledbetter Drive. When officers arrived on the scene, an officer was found shot in his patrol car, police say. Police say the suspect, who was still at the scene, exchanged gunfire with responding units, with two officers being shot.
The suspect fled the scene, driving north on I-35 towards Lewisville. Police say the chase ended in Lewisville in the 1000 block of Stemmons Freeway, with the suspect, wielding a long gun, exiting the vehicle before being fatally shot by officers. Police have not yet identified the suspect.
Two officers are currently hospitalized, police say. One is in critical condition, while the other is in stable condition, police say.
According to Burks’ Facebook profile, he went to Lake Highlands High School before attending Paul Quinn College. His LinkedIn profile says while at the college, he was president of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a football player, a YoungLife mentor and the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After graduating, Burks taught high school math for over a decade, according to his LinkedIn profile. Burks had only recently completed his police training, according to The News.
“He was always a supportive person, purest of humans that you could ever meet,” Cory E Wilson said in a Facebook post, “Solid in every way! And no matter when you crossed paths, he caught up with you in the moment and never missed a beat. Prayers to ourr good brother Burks as his family and loved ones honor him and process this great loss for the entire community.”
There will be a candlelight vigil tonight at the For Oak Cliff Community Center, according to social media posts. The vigil will begin at 7:04 p.m, although neighbors are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m. Neighbors are encouraged to bring a candle to participate.
The For Oak Cliff Community Center is located at 907 E. Ledbetter Drive.
