On November 25, 2024, Greenville (Texas) Police Officer Cooper Dawson, 27, was fatally shot during a foot pursuit following a traffic stop, marking the department’s first line-of-duty death in over 100 years.
At approximately 7:40 p.m., Officer Dawson initiated a traffic stop in the 3500 block of Pickett Street after identifying the driver, 25-year-old Christian Robert Sparger, who had multiple felony warrants, including probation violations for aggravated assault and continuous family violence.
Sparger fled on foot into a wooded area behind nearby homes, with Officer Dawson in pursuit. During the chase, Sparger ambushed Officer Dawson, shooting him multiple times in the leg and side. Despite his critical injuries, Officer Dawson applied his own tourniquet and returned fire, striking Sparger.
Both men were transported to Hunt County Regional Hospital. Officer Dawson was later airlifted to Medical City Plano, where he died from his injuries around 4:30 a.m. Sparger remains hospitalized in critical condition. He has been arraigned on charges including capital murder and is held on a $5 million bond.
Officer Dawson served seven years with the Garland Police Department before joining the Greenville Police Department 18 months ago. He was also a veteran of the Army National Guard. Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith described him as “an excellent officer” who was “passionate about training.”
The Greenville community has shown an outpouring of support. Residents paid their respects at a vigil, and a procession honored Officer Dawson’s memory. A squad car was displayed in front of the police precinct station in his honor.
This tragedy marks the first line-of-duty death for the Greenville Police Department in over a century. The department is deeply mourning the loss of Officer Dawson, with Chief Smith stating, “We are hurting as a department. We are hurting as a community.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the shooting. Funeral arrangements for Officer Dawson are underway, with services planned at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall.
Officer Dawson is survived by his wife, Aubrey, and their three young children.