DPS trooper shot to death during traffic stop on Thanksgiving

Suspect arrested after hours-long manhunt

WALLER COUNTY, Texas – The man suspected of shooting a Texas state trooper to death was apprehended by a K-9 officer and taken into custody Thursday evening, troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety said. 

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Dabrett Black, was on the run from authorities after a blue alert was issued for his vehicle following the shooting death of Trooper Damon Allen, 41.

Allen was "a loving husband and father of three," DPS tweeted Thursday. 

Investigators said Allen stopped Black, who was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, around 4 p.m. for a traffic violation on SB I-45 in Freestone County south of Fairfield. Officials said Allen made contact with Black and while returning to his vehicle, Black fired several shots at Allen from a rifle. Allen died at the scene, investigators said.

The Waller County Sheriff's Office said earlier on Thursday via Facebook that Black drove into the county and "shots have been fired in the area of Liendo Parkway and Wyatt Chapel."

A deputy recognized Black's car at the intersection of Liendo Parkway and Wyatt Chapel near Prairie View. The two exchanged gunfire before Black drove away, officials said.

No one was injured in the shootout.

After an hours-long manhunt, Black was bitten by a K-9 officer and taken into custody, officials said.

He was taken to a hospital and treated for the bite on his leg, deputies said.

Texas attorney general Ken Paxton released the following statement regarding the shooting:

“I am saddened to hear of the tragic death of a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper killed today in Freestone County. This trooper died selflessly serving Texas. Please join Angela and me as we pray for the trooper’s family and for the entire Department of Public Safety.”

Allen joined the departments in 2002.

"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."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted his condolences.

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

"The killer will face justice, and the State of Texas will continue to offer our unwavering support for the men and women in law enforcement who keep our communities safe," Abbott later said in a statement.

Harris County Constable Precinct 1 on Friday posted their condolences to Facebook along with a picture of Allen.

"Our hearts are filled with sadness as we learn of the passing of DPS Trooper Damon Allen. Allen was killed in the line of duty on Thanksgiving day," the post said.

Our hearts are filled with sadness as we learn of the passing of DPS Trooper Damon Allen. Allen was killed in the line of duty on Thanksgiving day.

Posted by Office of Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Constable Precinct 1 on Friday, November 24, 2017

A long line of deputies escorted Allen's body to Dallas, where several fellow troopers saluted as he arrived.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Black is behind bars in Brazos County jail, where he faces charges of capital murder.