Brent Chitwood: Blue Alert issued as Texas cop shot in chest, suspect flees in white Cadillac
CLAY COUNTY, TEXAS: A blue alert has been issued to phones across the state of Texas with cops launching a hunt for a suspected gunman after a deputy was shot in the chest. The incident happened as a regular traffic stop gone awry. The cop identified as Deputy Brent Chitwood is expected to recover from the injuries sustained.
News of Wood's shooting comes a little over a month after Colorado cop Gordon Beesley was shot to death in Denver as he "wore uniform and badge". In June NYPD officer Nathaly Gomez Iglesias was attacked and killed at her home by a gang member, and earlier in April, US Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans was mowed down while on duty.
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Who is Brent Chitwood?
The officer was shot during an attempted traffic stop on the night of Monday, August 16, just southeast of Wichita Falls. Clay County Sheriff Jeffrey Lyde said in the statement on Monday night that Chitwood was shot in the chest, but he was wearing a bulletproof vest and is expected to be alright. He was hurt during the traffic stop at the Jolly Truck Stop, reports NBC.
Following Chitwood's shooting, a blue alert was sent out which is usually issued "when a cop has been shot or killed, or when a suspect is on the run," writes The Sun. The suspected gunman is reported to have sped off in a white Cadillac that is "covered in bullet holes." The four-door sedan is believed to have a stolen Texas plate (FXJ 1334), with the gunman at large and considered armed and dangerous. The car has also been reported to have a broken or damaged rearview window, according to local channel KWTX. Multiple units tried to stop the suspected gunman who is expected to be in his mid-20s; he however managed to escape.
According to Lyde, the suspect is a "White male, mid-20s, kinda thin, didn't get a real good look because as soon as he got to the door frame he got shot in the chest." He also added that the vehicle he fled in should be easy to spot due to a blown-out black glass and "holes all in the trunk". Lyde also revealed in his statement: “We threw a net around this place and unfortunately didn't get him. I'm hoping that he's leaking somewhere."
Speaking to the suspect, he added: "To the guy who did this today, you didn't get my guy. You shot him in the vest. You didn't get him. But we are going to get you. Bet that." He also assured: "Deputy Chitwood is going to be absolutely OK." A separate video posted on Facebook on the same night also shows Lyde in the hospital room with the deputy, showing a bruise on his chest where the bulletproof vest was hit.
There's also a reward of $5,000 for anybody who offers information leading to the arrest. Those with information are requested to contact Wichita Fall Crime Stoppers at (940) 322-9888.