Blue Alert Issued for Man Suspected of Shooting Texas DPS Trooper

The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a Blue Alert for a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting of a DPS Trooper. The shooting took place Friday evening on Highway 84 just west of Mexia.

According to a Facebook post by the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association, around 7:45 PM Friday evening, Trooper Chad Walker responded to a motorist assist on FM Road 2848 near the intersection of US Highway 84, approximately five miles west of Mexia in Limestone County. Trooper Walker was traveling southwest on FM 2848 as he came upon a disabled vehicle parked on the shoulder of the roadway. Trooper Walker pulled up behind the vehicle. Before Trooper Walker could stop his patrol unit, a black male, identified as Dearthur Pinson Jr., immediately emerged from the driver’s seat of the disabled vehicle armed with a handgun and fired multiple rounds at Trooper Walker through the patrol unit’s windshield.

As a result, Trooper Walker sustained a gunshot wound to his head and abdomen. Pinson returned to his vehicle, where he retrieved a black backpack and fled the scene on foot. Trooper Walker was transported to Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, where he remains in stable but critical condition.

The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation and are supported by THP, AOD, CID, and other local, state, and federal partners. Trooper Walker and his wife have a 15-year-old son, twin seven-year-old daughters, and a two-month-old daughter.

Please keep Trooper Walker and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.