Lubbock

Texas Tech Police Officer Shot and Killed; Suspect in Custody

At campus police headquarters, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot an officer in the head, killing him, according to the statement from university spokesman Chris Cook

The campus police officer who was killed while booking a Texas Tech University student on a drug possession charge has been identified, authorities said Tuesday.

Authorities say a Texas Tech University student confessed to killing a campus police officer who was booking him on a drug possession charge.

Campus police officer Floyd East Jr. was processing 19-year-old Hollis Daniels III Monday night when the teen, who wasn't handcuffed, shot the officer, Det. Thomas Bonds of the Lubbock City Police Department said.

A campus police officer was shot and killed Monday at Texas Tech, prompting a lockdown that ended with the suspect's arrest later in the evening.

Another officer left the room and then heard a loud bang, Bonds said. When he returned, the other officer found East mortally wounded and Daniels gone. East's body camera was taken.

Daniels was recaptured Monday evening near the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum following a foot chase, and he was charged with capital murder of a police officer. He later admitted to killing East, authorities said.

Daniels had the body camera and a handgun, Bonds said. 

Video from Texas Tech University shows the moments that Lubbock police captured a man they say killed a Texas Tech University Police Officer on Monday night.

Daniels told officers he had done "something illogical" and that "he was the one that shot their friend," according to the police statement.

University officials said East had gone to Daniels' room for a welfare check and found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia.[[450164383,R]]

Authorities say Daniels is from Seguin, just east of San Antonio.

Daniels was booked into the Lubbock County jail early Tuesday. Online jail records don't indicate if he has an attorney to comment on his behalf.

It is not clear if Daniels had the gun on him at the police station, or if he took the weapon from an officer.

Jacob Walker, a senior at Texas Tech University, was in his dorm room on Monday night as police searched the campus for the gunman who killed a Texas Tech University Police officer. NBC 5 talked to Walker over the phone about what he experienced during the lockdown on campus.

Texas Tech officials initially issued a lockdown alert to students on social media, urging those on campus "to take shelter in a safe location."

"The family of the officer is in the thoughts and prayers of the Texas Tech community," Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said in a statement.

"Our hearts go out to the family of the police officer killed at Texas Tech University," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement late Monday. "I have spoken to Chancellor Robert Duncan to offer my condolences... As the Texas Tech campus deals with this heartbreaking tragedy, Cecilia and I pray for the continued safety of the students and the entire community."

The school said classes would resume as scheduled Tuesday.

"Words can't express how saddened I am by the tragic loss of one of our Texas Tech University police officers tonight," said Duncan. "Our Texas Tech family is strong and will support each other as we grieve."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he'll travel to Texas Tech University to meet with administrators and law enforcement officials.

Paxton said in a statement that he'll be in Lubbock on Tuesday "to offer the entire support" of his office.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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