Denton Police said the officer initiated the traffic stop in the 1800 block of West University Drive just after midnight on Tuesday, October 29.
During the traffic stop for an alleged equipment violation, there was an exchange of gunfire during which the officer was struck. Backup officers arrived at the scene and also opened fire.
In a press conference, Assistant Police Chief Bobby Smith said two suspects then fled the scene. The injured officer was taken to Medical City hospital in Denton for surgery.
Smith said the officer, who has not been named, is currently in a critical but stable condition.
The suspects’ vehicle was later located by officers from the Carrollton Police Department. They were then arrested and taken into custody following a short pursuit, Smith said.
The two suspects were also taken to a nearby hospital for their injuries after they were apprehended. “They did have gunshot injuries,” Smith said. “It’s not certain exactly how that happened.”
Carrollton police say their officers didn’t discharge their weapons during the pursuit, reports CBSDFW.com. Denton Police said they will be providing further updates on the investigation and the injured officer on Tuesday afternoon.
The Texas Rangers are in charge of the investigation, with assistance being provided by the Denton County Sheriff’s office, the Denton Police Department and the Little Elm Police Department.
“So again, the officer is in stable condition. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family right now,” Smith said.
The extent of the suspects’ injuries have not been made public.
In a tweet, Denton Police Chief Frank Dixon said: “Please keep our family in your prayers. I am returning home immediately. I want to thank @CarrolltonTXPD and @FBTXPD [Farmers Branch Police Department] for their assistance with getting the suspects detained and our partner agencies for their help.”
According to the FBI, 55 police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2018, 51 of which were shot. Of the 51 officers killed by firearms, 37 were shot with handguns, 10 with rifles, two with shotguns and two with firearms types which were not reported at the time.
Twenty-three of the officers who were feloniously killed in 2018 were conducting investigative or enforcement activities, including two who were taking part in traffic violation stops.
The FBI said data on the number of police officers who were injured or assaulted in the line of duty will be released later in the year.
