Texas officer in critical condition after being shot in head at traffic stop
Two suspects led police on a car chase and were then taken into custody.
A Texas police officer is in critical condition after being shot in the head during a traffic stop on Tuesday, authorities said.
Urbano Rodriguez Jr., a five-year veteran of the Denton Police Department, initiated a traffic stop for an equipment violation just minutes after midnight, according to police.
Rodriguez was shot in the head and femur, said police, and a back-up officer, Randy Cole, returned fire, striking both suspects in the arm.
The two suspects, Antwon Pinkston and Michele Stacey, led police on a car chase and were then taken into custody, according to police.
The suspects were medically cleared and taken to jail, police said. Pinkston was charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer, while Stacey, the driver, is being held on a parole violation, police said.
At an afternoon news conference Denton Police Chief Frank Dixon praised Cole, the back-up officer, who has worked with the Denton Police Department for less than one year.
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Cole helped Rodriguez and put out "vital information" that led to the suspects' capture, he said.
"Officer Cole exhibited tremendous courage, heroism and just a calm, professional, steady hand," Dixon said.
Rodriguez underwent surgery and remains in critical condition, police said. Recovery is "favorable," Dixon added.
"Keep our officers in your thoughts and prayers," Dixon said.
A motive for the shooting is unclear, the chief said.