Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks Killed in the Line of Duty

DALLAS – The Dallas police officer killed in an ambush shooting near the Oak Cliff Community Center was a former high school math teacher and coach.

According to Dallas police, Officer Darron Burks was “executed” by Corey Cobb-Bey late Thursday night.

Burks was shot dead after Cobb-Bey approached him while he was in his police car. Bey-Cobb spoke to Burks through the window while he was recording on his phone. He then pulled out a gun and shot Burks.

Two other officers who responded to a call for backup were shot.

Cobb-Bey was shot and killed during a high-speed police chase on Interstate 35 from Dallas to Lewisville.

“As a department, we are devastated,” said Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. “Officer Darron Burks was a son, a nephew, a friend to many, and he was senselessly and tragically murdered in the line of duty.”

Burks was a mathematics teacher at the Pleasant Grove campus of the Texas Can Academy from June 2006 to February 2023.

“Last year, Officer Burks bravely decided to leave the field of education to serve our city as a member of the Dallas Police Department. His dedication to serving others, both as a teacher and a police officer, exemplified his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him,” wrote Tina Shaw, the principal of Texas Can Academy’s Pleasant Grove Campus.

Texas Can administrators described Burks as “an outstanding teacher” and a “mentor to countless students.”

“As a troubled young man, he made sure that I was educated and given the tools that I needed to graduate, to be a man out here in the world. I am so grateful for him and the time that he spent with me,” said Adrian Coleman, who played basketball for Burks.

Burks began training at the Dallas Police Academy last year.

Burks graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1988 and attended Paul Quinn College, where he was a member of Omega Psi Phi sorority.

“He was part of the first graduating class when I became president in 2007,” said Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College. “Darron was a beloved member of this community. He was a great fraternity member to his brothers at Omega Psi Phi. He was a great alumnus for Paul Quinn, he invested in this institution and we will miss him. We will honor his memory. We are grateful that we knew him for the time that we had him, we only wish we had him longer.”

The fraternity planned a candlelight vigil for Burks at the Oak Cliff Community Center on Friday. People are asked to arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. The vigil is expected to begin shortly after 7 p.m. Another ceremony will be held at Winners Smokehouse in Cedar Hill.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson has requested that the city’s flags be flown at half-staff in his honor.