Texas police officer Elijah Garretson shot and killed by fugitive

A Texas police officer was shot and killed within the line of responsibility whereas making an attempt to arrest a wished fugitive, authorities stated.

Copperas Cove Police Officer Elijah Garretson, a 27-year-old New Hampshire resident, was fatally injured whereas making an attempt to arrest a fugitive wished for involvement in organized prison exercise who failed to look in court docket on January 10. Texas State Senator Pete Flores, whose district contains Copperas Cove, said in a Facebook post.

In keeping with Flores, Garretson and two different officers acquired into an altercation with the suspect, recognized as 26-year-old Jamison Cavazos, whereas making an attempt to arrest him.

Officers stated Cavazos then shot Garretson throughout the tried arrest and fled the scene, the place he later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound as officers approached his second location after a prolonged negotiation try. Authorities recovered two handguns in his possession, Flores stated.

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Officer Elijah Garretson was shot whereas on responsibility whereas making an attempt to arrest a fugitive wished for collaborating in organized prison exercise who failed to look in court docket on January 10. (Copperas Cove Police)

Garretson was then transported to a hospital, the place he later died from his accidents.

“This officer endangered his life making an attempt to guard public security and paid the final word value,” stated Flores, chairman of the Texas Senate Legal Justice Committee. “This loss is a tragic reminder of the brave sacrifice our legislation enforcement officers face each day.”

The Texas Rangers are investigating Garretson’s loss of life.

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The physique of fallen police officer Elijah Garretson is escorted to Crawford Bowers Funeral House in Killeen, Texas on January 13, 2026. (FOX7)

Garretson grew up in New Hampshire and later joined the U.S. Military, the place he was stationed at Fort Hood and rose to the rank of sergeant earlier than leaving in June 2024, FOX 7 reported.

After leaving the navy, Garretson attended the police academy and graduated as an Tutorial Honor Graduate of his class in June 2025. He was additionally celebrated for serving to save the lifetime of a fellow cadet when he went into cardiac arrest. according to FOX7.

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Mourners attend the funeral of fallen police officer Elijah Garretson at Crawford Bowers Funeral House in Killeen, Texas, on January 13, 2026. (FOX7)

He reportedly leaves behind a spouse and a 5-year-old daughter.

The Copperas Cove Police Division didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark.

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“Throughout this troublesome time, our ideas are along with his family members, colleagues on the Copperas Cove Police Division and everybody affected by this tragedy,” New Hampshire State Police stated. said in a Facebook post. “He won’t ever be forgotten.”