Shoplifting suspect stabs Flower Mound officer

FLOWER MOUND, Texas - A Flower Mound police officer is expected to return to work after being stabbed in the face.

Officer Christopher Coots was the first officer on the scene last Friday after a shoplifting attempt at an Academy Sporting Goods store on Justin Road.

He chased 18-year-old Nikoli Willford, who was trying to get away with almost $580 in merchandise. Willford stabbed Coots in the right side of the jaw and punctured the back of his throat.

Other officers arrested Willford. He’s now charged with aggravated assault of a public servant.