In a tragic incident on Thursday night, a Dallas police officer was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting that took place in southeast Oak Cliff. The fallen officer has been identified as Darron Burks, a 46-year-old former school teacher who had recently completed his police training. The shocking news has left the entire Dallas community in mourning.

According to multiple police officials, more than 20 units responded to an assist officer call in the 900 block of East Ledbetter Drive shortly after 10:00 p.m. Officers arrived at the scene to find one officer shot inside his marked patrol vehicle. A confrontation ensued, resulting in two additional officers being shot during the exchange of gunfire.

The injured officers were rushed to nearby hospitals, where tragically, Officer Burks succumbed to his injuries. One of the wounded officers is currently listed in critical condition, while the other remains stable. The suspect responsible for the shooting fled the scene and led Dallas police officers on a pursuit that ended in Lewisville. The suspect, armed with a long gun, was fatally shot by Dallas officers during the confrontation.

The Dallas Police Department is conducting an extensive investigation into the shooting, with a focus on For Oak Cliff, the community center where the tragic incident unfolded. The identities of the officers involved and the suspect have not been released at this time.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie García expressed his grief in a poignant social media post, attaching a photo of a Dallas police badge with a dark blue line across the center, symbolizing the loss of a fellow officer. The chief is expected to provide more details in the coming days as the investigation progresses.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, currently isolating due to COVID-19, issued a statement honoring the fallen officer and emphasizing the impact of the attack on the city, families, and their way of life. The mayor called for unity and continued efforts to combat violence in the community.

As the news spread, an outpouring of support and condolences flooded in from within and beyond the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Council member Carolyn King Arnold expressed her devastation and disbelief, emphasizing the role of the community center in providing hope and alternatives to gun violence. A candlelight vigil is planned to pay tribute to Officer Burks at For Oak Cliff, followed by a gathering at Winners Smokehouse in Cedar Hill.

The loss of Officer Darron Burks serves as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in their commitment to protect and serve. The Dallas community stands united in grieving the loss of a hero and extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen officer and the wounded officers.