Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks was killed in the line of duty last week, the department said. Tyler Junior College Alumni Association said Burks was a TJC alum. (Dallas Police Department/Contributed Photo)

From Staff, Wire Reports

Officials say a Dallas police officer who recently died in the line of duty was a Tyler Junior College alum.

Dallas Police Department Officer Darron Burks, 46, died Aug. 29 in what the force’s chief called a targeted attack.

The Tyler Junior College Alumni Association posted a statement on its Facebook page Wednesday morning, noting the group is “mourning the loss of one of our fellow TJC alums … who tragically lost his life in the line of duty while protecting and serving the citizens of Dallas.”

The Dallas Police Department asked for prayers from the community andcalled Burks a hero.

“We will never forget his sacrifice and his heroism,” the department said. “Please pray for his family, friends and the men and women of the Dallas Police Department.”

Two other officers who were injured are still recovering, according to Dallas Police Department.

During Burks’ time at TJC, he was a member of the Minority Student Association. After graduating from Paul Quinn College, he became an educator then a police officer for the Dallas Police Department, according to TJC.

“In both roles he was a profound community leader and mentor,” TJC Alumni Association said.

Burks’ obituary states he dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of his community.

“Officer Burks served with unwavering pride and commitment on the Dallas Police Department until his untimely passing,” his obituary reads. “His bravery, dedication, and selflessness were evident in every aspect of his work, and he was a beacon of hope and security for those he served.”

Burks joined the force recently after teaching math at a high school for about 17 years, according to the Associated Press. He taught at Texans Can Academy in the Pleasant Grove community in Dallas from June 2006 to February 2023, where he was “not only an excellent educator but also a mentor to countless students,” Tina Shaw, the school’s principal, said in a statement.

“His commitment to serving others, both as a teacher and as a police officer, exemplified his dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him,” Shaw said.

The AP reported a man intentionally set out to shoot police when he killed Burks, who was sitting in his patrol car, and wounded two others in a late-night attack that set off a highway chase. The incident ended with officers fatally shooting the suspect, according to the AP.

Garcia said at a news conference the suspect — 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey — approached Burks while he was parked at a community center between calls, talking to him briefly and recording the encounter before pulling out a handgun and “executing” Burks.

“Our officers were targeted for nothing more than the uniform they wear and for the brave and honorable job that they do,” Garcia said.

Police said Cobb-Bey pulled into the parking lot at 10:02 p.m., about two minutes before Burks. After shooting Burks, Cobb-Bey retrieved a shotgun from his own vehicle and placed it on the roof of the squad car, police said, according to the AP.

When Sr. Cpl. Jamie Farmer arrived at 10:11 p.m. to check on Burks after a dispatcher noticed an unusual transmission from him, Cobb-Bey fired his handgun at Farmer. Farmer returned fire and Cobb-Bey retrieved the shotgun. Farmer was hit once in the leg, police said.

When Sr. Cpl. Karissa David arrived a minute later, Cobb-Bey shot at her multiple times, police said. Police said she returned fire and was shot in the face.

Farmer was released from the hospital Friday, while David remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Cobb-Bey fled the scene and was pursued by other officers to Lewisville, police said. Police said when Cobb-Bey’s vehicle came to a stop on Interstate 35, he got out with a shotgun in his hand and pointed it at officers. Six officers fired at Cobb-Bey, who died at the scene after being hit multiple times, the AP reported. No officers were injured in that exchange of gunfire.

Garcia said their investigation has determined that the shootings were premeditated. He said they learned from social media that three days ago, Cobb-Bey approached an unmarked squad car from an unknown law enforcement agency and was recording as he asked officers why they were parked there.

Cobb-Bey had expressed online that he had problems in both his professional and personal life, and indicated that “an event” would be happening, Garcia said.

An open visitation for Burks will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Watermark Church, 7540 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy. in Dallas. Then a visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the same church with a celebration of life service to follow beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, read Burks’ obituary from Restland Funeral Home.