Dallas (TX) Police Department was founded in 1881 and employs over 4,000 sworn and non-sworn employees. The department is dedicated to protecting and serving over one-million residents in the city of Dallas and strives to create a safe city for its residents. On the night of July 7th, 2016 the city and it’s police department faced a nightmare when Micah Johnson ambushed and opened fire on residents and police officers in Dallas, Texas nearing the end of a protest.
The nightmare would be globally known as the greatest loss of life in law enforcement since the attacks on September 11, 2001. “The brave men and women of the Dallas Police Department unknowingly embarked on what is globally known as the greatest loss of life in law enforcement since September 11, 2001,” the post said.
Micah Johnson was Army veteran with no previous criminal history and described to be a loner. “During the search of the Johnson’s home, detectives found bomb making materials, ballistic vests, rifles, ammunition, and a personal journal of combat tactics,” Dallas Police Media Relations Office said in a post.
The ambush killed five police officers and injured nine police officers and two civilians. “We were ambushed on our own streets and the City of Dallas lost five officers,” Dallas Police said.
Dallas Police officers attempted to negotiate with Johnson to peacefully surrender, but unfortunately, Johnson did not comply. “When all attempts to negotiate with the suspect, Micah Johnson, failed under the exchange of gunfire, Dallas Police utilized the mechanical tactical robot, as a last resort, to deliver an explosion device to save the lives of officers and citizens,” Dallas Police Department stated. “The robot used was the Remotec, Model F-5, claw and arm extension with an explosive device of C4 plus “Det” cord,” Dallas Police continued.
“July 7th may have been just an ordinary day for most people, but for members of the Dallas Police Department, 7/7 is a day that will be forever etched in our hearts and minds,” Dallas Police Media Relations Office said.
The department mourns the loss of five officers every year on July 7th. The “7|7 Monument” honoring the officers can be found in front of the Jack Evans Police Headquarters building.
- Dallas Police Senior Corporal Lorne Ahrens
- Dallas Police Officer Michael Krol
- Dallas Police Sergeant Michael Smith
- Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Brent Thompson
- Dallas Police Officer Patricio “Patrick” Zamarripa
Credit: Dallas (TX) Police Department
Agencies from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department all assisted with the investigation.
