A Texas Department of Public Safety officer died Wednesday after he was shot at a traffic stop earlier in the week.
Trooper Chad Walker, 38, was shot multiple times after he stopped to aid a driver near Mexia, Texas, on Friday evening, DPS wrote. The husband and father to four children succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital in Waco, Texas.
The suspect, DeArthur Pinson, 37, fled the scene and later took his own life. A motive for the attack has not been disclosed.
“Our DPS family is absolutely heartbroken at the loss of one of our brothers in uniform who was killed in the line of duty,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a statement. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Walker was committed to protecting the people of Texas. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we ask that you keep his family, friends and colleagues in your prayers during the difficult days ahead.”
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Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, called the killing “horrific” and directed law enforcement to “turn on their red and blue flashing lights for one minute” on Thursday in remembrance of the fallen trooper.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of Trooper Walker as they grieve his tragic death in the line of duty,” Abbott said. “Trooper Walker’s horrific murder is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day to keep our communities safe. We will always support law enforcement here in Texas, and we are indebted to the sacrifices that they make to serve and protect their fellow Texans. To honor Trooper Walker and all officers across the Lone Star State, I am asking law enforcement to turn on their red and blue flashing lights for one minute tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock, and I urge my fellow Texans to stand with our police and support them as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”
On Monday, DPS announced that Walker had no “signs of viable brain activity” and that he would be on “life-support until he can share the gift of life as an organ donor.”
“This final sacrifice embodies Trooper Walker’s actions throughout his life and service as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper,” the agency continued. “The Walker family is grateful for the continued support and prayers as they remain at Chad’s side.”
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Walker, a second-generation police officer, has been wearing the uniform since 2003. He served in the Groesbeck Police Department, Athens Police Department, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, and Limestone County Sheriff’s Office. He joined DPS in 2015.
