Officer Kennis Croom, who was engaged on a break day, was the primary emergency responder to reach on the scene and shortly after “suggested there have been pictures being fired,” the chief advised reporters Friday.
A second officer referred to as out that Croom was down, and the suspect was capable of flee the scene earlier than different officers arrived, she added.
Officers found the physique of Brittany Jones after they did a examine on the house, Younger mentioned. Jones appeared to have a deadly gunshot wound and was pronounced useless on the scene. Croom was pronounced useless at a hospital.
“Any time a life is misplaced it is tragic. This entire incident is tragic and mindless. Officer Kennis Croom misplaced his life doing what he liked, serving this neighborhood,” Younger mentioned. “He was filled with ardour, pleasure and dedication. Though yesterday was his break day he selected to come back in and serve, which he was identified to do repeatedly.”
The suspected shooter, Dante Bender, 31, was taken into custody Friday within the city of Ackerman, Younger mentioned.
It’s unknown if Bender has an lawyer.
Younger expressed her condolences to the households of each victims of the capturing, and referred to as her colleague, Croom, a hero.
“He’s the definition of a real hero and his legacy will go on,” she mentioned.