Texas Tech Police Officer Fatally Shot

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Tragedy struck the Texas Tech University campus on October 9, 2017, when a police officer was fatally shot in the line of duty. Officer Floyd East Jr. was a dedicated and respected member of the Texas Tech Police Department, and his loss was deeply felt by the entire university community.

The incident occurred at the Texas Tech Police Department headquarters, where Officer East was shot by a suspect who was being questioned in connection with a burglary. The suspect, Hollis Daniels, was a 19-year-old freshman at Texas Tech who had been arrested earlier that day for possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest.

Officer East, who was 48 years old at the time of his death, was a married father of two children. He had served with the Texas Tech Police Department for nine years and was known for his kindness, compassion, and dedication to his work. He was also a decorated officer, having received numerous awards and commendations for his service.

The shooting of Officer East was a devastating blow to the Texas Tech community, and it sparked an outpouring of grief and support from students, faculty, and staff. The university's president, Lawrence Schovanec, issued a statement expressing his condolences to Officer East's family and praising the officer's bravery and dedication.

The investigation into the shooting was led by the Texas Rangers, with assistance from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. The suspect, Hollis Daniels, was charged with capital murder of a peace officer and was being held in the Lubbock County Detention Center.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the Texas Tech community came together to support the family of Officer East and to honor his memory. A memorial service was held on campus, and a fundraising campaign was established to support the East family.

The shooting of Officer East was a tragic reminder of the risks and sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day to keep their communities safe. It also highlighted the importance of supporting and appreciating the men and women who serve in law enforcement.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Officer Floyd East Jr., and we will examine the circumstances surrounding his death. We will also explore the impact of the shooting on the Texas Tech community and the wider law enforcement community.

Life and Career of Officer Floyd East Jr.

Officer Floyd East Jr. was born on November 20, 1968, in El Paso, Texas. He grew up in a law enforcement family and always knew that he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. East's father was a police officer in El Paso, and he inspired his son to pursue a career in law enforcement.

East graduated from high school in 1987 and went on to attend the University of Texas at El Paso, where he earned a degree in criminal justice. After completing his education, East began his law enforcement career as a police officer in the city of El Paso.

In 2008, East joined the Texas Tech Police Department, where he served for nine years. During his time at Texas Tech, East became known for his kindness, compassion, and dedication to his work. He was a respected and beloved member of the university community, and he was particularly close to the students he encountered on campus.

East was also a decorated officer, having received numerous awards and commendations for his service. In 2016, he was awarded the Texas Tech Police Department's Officer of the Year award, which recognized his outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Awards and Commendations

Officer East received numerous awards and commendations during his career, including:

• Officer of the Year award (2016)
• Meritorious Service award (2015)
• Life Saving award (2014)
• Distinguished Service award (2013)

East's awards and commendations were a testament to his bravery, dedication, and commitment to his work. He was a true hero and a role model for his fellow officers and the wider community.

Circumstances Surrounding the Shooting

The shooting of Officer East occurred on October 9, 2017, at the Texas Tech Police Department headquarters. The suspect, Hollis Daniels, was a 19-year-old freshman at Texas Tech who had been arrested earlier that day for possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest.

Daniels was being questioned by Officer East and another officer when he suddenly pulled out a gun and shot East in the head. The other officer present at the scene was not injured.

Daniels was immediately taken into custody, and he was later charged with capital murder of a peace officer. He was being held in the Lubbock County Detention Center without bond.

The investigation into the shooting was led by the Texas Rangers, with assistance from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed that Daniels had a history of mental health issues and had previously been arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Investigation and Charges

The investigation into the shooting of Officer East was led by the Texas Rangers, with assistance from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed that:

• Daniels had a history of mental health issues and had previously been arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
• Daniels had been arrested earlier on the day of the shooting for possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest.
• Daniels had pulled out a gun and shot Officer East in the head while being questioned by East and another officer.

Daniels was charged with capital murder of a peace officer and was being held in the Lubbock County Detention Center without bond.

Impact on the Texas Tech Community

The shooting of Officer East had a profound impact on the Texas Tech community. The university's president, Lawrence Schovanec, issued a statement expressing his condolences to Officer East's family and praising the officer's bravery and dedication.

The university community came together to support the family of Officer East and to honor his memory. A memorial service was held on campus, and a fundraising campaign was established to support the East family.

The shooting also sparked an outpouring of grief and support from students, faculty, and staff. Many students and faculty members took to social media to express their condolences and to share their memories of Officer East.

Memorial Service and Fundraising Campaign

A memorial service was held on campus to honor the memory of Officer East. The service was attended by hundreds of students, faculty, and staff, and it featured eulogies from Officer East's colleagues and friends.

A fundraising campaign was also established to support the East family. The campaign raised thousands of dollars, which were used to support Officer East's family and to establish a scholarship in his name.

Impact on the Wider Law Enforcement Community

The shooting of Officer East had a profound impact on the wider law enforcement community. The incident was a tragic reminder of the risks and sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day to keep their communities safe.

The shooting also sparked an outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies across the country. Many agencies took to social media to express their condolences and to share their memories of Officer East.

National Law Enforcement Support

The shooting of Officer East sparked an outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies across the country. Many agencies took to social media to express their condolences and to share their memories of Officer East.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) also issued a statement expressing its condolences to Officer East's family and praising the officer's bravery and dedication.

We invite you to share your thoughts and condolences on the tragic loss of Officer Floyd East Jr. in the comments section below.