DPS TROOPER SHOT DURING TRAFFIC STOP DIES

  

The Texas Department of Public Safety has announced that a DPS Trooper shot multiple times near Mexia has died.

Trooper Chad Walker died Wednesday night.  He was hospitalized last Friday in critical condition at Baylor Scott and White in Waco after being shot in the head and abdomen while responding to a motorist assist call.

DPS called Walker “a hero who bravely served his community” and “one of DPS’ finest.”  They said Walker’s “dedication to duty and his selfless sacrifice, in both life and his death, will never be forgotten.”

On Monday, DPS said Walker no longer had signs of viable brain activity, but the agency said he would remain on life support until he could donate his organs.

Authorities found the suspected shooter, 36-year-old DeArthur Pinson, Jr., dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Saturday at a home west of Mexia.

Walker is survived by his wife, 15-year-old son, twin seven-year-old daughters, and a two-month-old daughter.

State Senator Lois Kolkhorst said the state is “forever grateful” for Walker’s sacrifice and “will never forget the true dangers and sacrifices made by our law enforcement.”

Governor Greg 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.”

Abbott has asked Texas law enforcement officers to turn on their red and blue flashing lights for one minute at 1 p.m. today (Thursday) to honor Walker and all officers in Texas.