DALLAS, Texas - A Dallas ISD police officer is recovering after being shot Thursday morning while assisting a person reported to be in distress along Interstate 635, according to Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux.
The shooting occurred on Aug. 6 after Dallas ISD Police Officer Justin Jones, 39, stopped to check on a person walking on the LBJ Freeway near the Walmart and Sam's Club stores in northwest Dallas.
During a media briefing, Chief Comeaux said the investigation remains in its early stages.
According to police, Officer Jones was flagged down by motorists who reported a person walking on the freeway who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Jones located the individual and safely escorted the person away from the interstate to a nearby parking lot to prevent anyone from being injured by traffic.
As Officer Jones spoke with the individual, the person exited the patrol vehicle and a shooting occurred.
Officer Jones was shot and transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.
A second Dallas ISD police officer arrived moments later and immediately applied a tourniquet, providing life-saving aid until additional emergency responders arrived.
The suspect was taken into custody at the scene.
Officer Jones has served with the Dallas ISD Police Department for 16 years and is assigned to W. T. White High School.
Numerous agencies responded to assist with the incident, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Dallas County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dallas Marshal's Office and Dallas Fire-Rescue.
Authorities have not released the suspect's identity or announced any charges.
The investigation remains ongoing.
