Texas state trooper killed during Thanksgiving traffic stop

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A Texas state trooper was shot and killed during a Thanksgiving traffic stop southeast of Dallas.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the trooper killed was Damon Allen, 41. DPS said Allen joined the department in 2002 and was married with three children.

Allen’s body was taken to the Dallas County Medical Examiner overnight for examination. The body was escorted away from the M.E. midday Friday.

DPS on Friday charged suspect Dabrett Black, 32, of Lindale, Texas with capital murder of a law enforcement officer. Black is being held in Brazos County, but no bond has been set.

Allen was shot and killed before 4 p.m. Thursday during a traffic stop on Interstate 45 near Fairfield, about 90 miles south of Dallas, according to DPS. The department said Allen was shot with a rifle and died at the scene. The suspect then fled.

Hours after the shooting, the Waller County Sheriff's Office said the suspect's vehicle was spotted in Hempstead, about 110 miles south of Fairfield. The sheriff's office said that shots were fired, but did not indicate who opened fire.

Black was apprehended a short time later. The Department of Public Safety said he's being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Black was charged in July with evading arrest, reckless driving and aggravated assault against a public servant following a police chase in Smith County.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called Allen's shooting death a "heinous crime" in a statement Thursday. Abbott also expressed his "most sincere condolences" to the trooper's family.

Allen's funeral is set for next Friday at the Mexia High School football stadium

Allen is survived by his wife, Kasey, three daughters and one son.

Any donations in memory of Allen can be made to The 100 Club at the100club.org.