A Collin County jury today sentenced 34-year-old Daniel Christopher Allen, of Rowlett, to life in prison for Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant. The sentencing followed Allen's conviction for opening fire on a Plano SWAT officer while police were executing a narcotics search warrant.
The incident occurred on August 31, 2021, when Plano Police SWAT officers served a narcotics search warrant at a known drug house. Authorities had probable cause to believe that members of a white supremacist gang, known to be armed and dealing narcotics, were inside the residence. Allen, who was staying at the location while on felony probation, fled by jumping a backyard fence. Officer Ben Rogers pursued him on foot.
During the foot chase, Allen turned and fired a handgun at Officer Rogers. In response, Officer Rogers discharged his weapon to protect himself, fellow officers, and the surrounding neighborhood. Allen dropped his firearm, and Officer Rogers immediately called for medical assistance. Allen was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Jurors were presented with body-worn camera and drone footage that clearly depicted Allen firing at the officer. The jury deliberated for under 20 minutes before finding Allen guilty.
During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of Allen's prior felony convictions dating back to 2015, which legally prohibited him from possessing a firearm. The jury also learned that he was on felony probation out of Tarrant County at the time of the shooting. A gang expert testified about Allen’s long-standing membership in Aryan Circle, a violent white supremacist prison gang.
Faced with this evidence, the jury imposed a life sentence, the maximum punishment available.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis praised the Plano SWAT team and stated, “This violent gang member had no business on our streets—let alone turning and firing on a police officer in pursuit. The Plano SWAT team put themselves in harm’s way that day, confronting a known threat to protect our community. That kind of courage deserves more than praise—it deserves our deepest gratitude. In Collin County, we back our officers, and we don’t tolerate violence against them.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Ann Mathew and Kailey Gillman, with the assistance of DA Investigators Laurie Gibbs and Jennifer Gomez.
