Oscar Mendoza Jr., Nueces County Constable Precinct 5

DALLAS, TEXAS - (News Release) Update: A second Dallas Police Officer has succumbed to his injuries which he received during a shoot out with a male subject on the South Central part of Dallas shortly after 10:00 pm on Aug 29th.

On Aug 29th, Officer Darron Burks of the Dallas Police Department was tragically shot and killed in a brutal act of violence.

The incident occurred when the rookie DPD Officer Burks, stationed his squad car near a local YMCA on Ledbetter, was ambushed and fatally shot in the head.

In response to a call from the dispatcher, who believed she heard the officer attempting to communicate, two additional officers were dispatched to the scene.

When two other Dallas PD units rolled up on scene, they were also engaged in a shoot out. The two officers received gun shots. They were both transported to an area hospital. Police units ensued a police pursuit with the subject which ended inside the city of Lewisville, Texas. The pursuit ended in a third shoot out with police, resulting in the suspect being shot and killed.

Darron Burks had dedicated 17 years to teaching mathematics before retiring in February 2023 to fulfill his aspiration of becoming a police officer. He graduated from the police academy on December 15, 2023.

On December 14, 2023, he shared the following message on Facebook:

"Isolation + Elevation = Graduation

After 17 years in education, by God's grace, I resigned from my position as a Math Teacher at the end of February 2023.

I prayed and sought God's guidance regarding my desire to pursue a different career. This opportunity had never crossed my mind until God opened the doors on March 1.

Ten months later, after 13 tests, a final exam, and a State of Texas certification test, I will be graduating on December 15, 2023, solely by God's grace. I plan to go live tomorrow at 10 a.m. to discuss this new opportunity. I am particularly excited that a family member will be allowed to accompany me across the stage. Let’s go, Mom!"

His loved ones have expressed the following sentiments:

"Darron Burks was a true servant leader. He genuinely cared for his fellow man and his community. He was an exceptional individual and friend. Rest in peace, brother. You were truly one of a kind."

"Another brother lost. I never expected to wake up to this news, nor did I consider that the news I was watching was about you. Darron Burks was a solid and sincere man who always provided encouraging words whenever I was in his presence. I can hardly believe this. Please pray for his family and friends. Rest well, brother."