A police officer in Terrell, Texas, tragically lost his life late Sunday night during a routine traffic stop. The officer, 28-year-old Jacob Candanoza, had just joined the Terrell Police Department a few months ago, in July. He was a Marine veteran who served from 2014 to 2019 and had also worked for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office before joining Terrell PD.
It all started around 11 p.m. when Officer Candanoza pulled someone over and called for backup. But before help could arrive, police got two 911 calls saying an officer had been shot. When officers rushed to the scene, they found Candanoza wounded. He was quickly taken to the hospital, but sadly, he didn’t survive.
Despite being gravely injured, Candanoza managed to give dispatchers a critical clue: the suspect’s license plate. That information led to the arrest of the suspected shooter early Monday morning. While police haven’t shared the suspect’s name yet, they did confirm that the arrest was made thanks to Candanoza’s quick thinking.
The Terrell Police Department released a heartfelt statement saying, “Our deepest condolences go out to his family as they navigate this tragic time.” Officer Candanoza’s dedication and bravery are being remembered by his colleagues and community.
Terrell, a city about 30 miles east of Dallas, is now mourning the loss of a young officer who had already served his country and community with honor. It’s a somber moment for everyone in the area as they come together to support Candanoza’s family and honor his memory.
