Gov. Greg Abbott has joined thousands of law enforcement officers from across the state in paying tribute to a Texas State Trooper who was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Thanksgiving Day.
The funeral for Trooper Damon Allen was held Friday on the football field of Mexia High School.
Allen, a 41-year-old married father of four, graduated from Mexia High School and still lived in the area. He was a trooper for 15 years and was the first to die in a shooting incident since 2008.
Authorities said he was in his car after making a traffic stop in Freestone County when the driver of the other vehicle stepped out and fired a rifle at him.
Allen died at the scene.
"For more than 15 years, Trooper Damon Allen dedicated his life to bravely protecting and helping his fellow Texans," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. "He was an outstanding officer and a loving family man who brought joy to so many around him. We are devastated by his loss."
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Investigators have identified the shooter as Dabrett Black, a man with a history of aggression toward law enforcement. Black was later arrested and is being held on a charge of capital murder of a police officer.
