A Texas police officer was killed in the line of duty after being shot while attempting to take a wanted fugitive into custody, authorities confirmed.
Elijah Garretson, a 27-year-old officer with the Copperas Cove Police Department, was fatally wounded during an attempted arrest on January 10. Texas State Sen. Pete Flores said the suspect was wanted in connection with organized criminal activity and had failed to appear in court.
Deadly encounter during attempted arrest
According to Flores, Garretson and two other officers were involved in a physical struggle with the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Jamison Cavazos, when the situation escalated. During the confrontation, Cavazos shot Garretson and fled the scene.
Garretson was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Flores described the loss as a stark reminder of the dangers officers face, saying the fallen officer “placed his life in harm’s way trying to protect public safety.”
Authorities said Cavazos was later located at a second site following an extensive search. After what investigators described as a lengthy negotiation attempt, the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as officers closed in. Two pistols were recovered from his possession, Flores said. The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Escort honors fallen officer
Later that day, Copperas Cove police officers escorted Garretson’s body from Temple back through the city to a local funeral home. The procession traveled from the city limits to Crawford Bowers Funeral Home, drawing residents who gathered along the route to quietly pay their respects.
Police asked members of the public to honor the fallen officer safely and respectfully, urging them not to block roadways or crowd the funeral home. The department said details regarding memorial services would be shared once arrangements are finalized.
Garretson was a New Hampshire native who previously served in the U.S. Army and reached the rank of sergeant before leaving military service in June 2024, according to FOX 7. He later entered the police academy, graduating in June 2025 as the Academic Honor Graduate of his class. During his training, he was also recognized for helping save the life of a fellow cadet who suffered cardiac arrest.
He is survived by his wife and a 5-year-old daughter. In a statement shared on Facebook, the New Hampshire State Police expressed condolences, saying his service and sacrifice would not be forgotten.
