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Texas officer fatally shot while conducting traffic stop

Terell Police Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, called for backup after being shot by the suspect; he was taken to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries

By Joanna Putman
Police1

TERELL, Texas — A Terrell police officer was shot and killed late Sunday night during a traffic stop, and the suspect is now in custody, WFAA reported.

Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, was conducting a traffic stop around 11 p.m. on December 8. According to a spokesperson for the Terrell Police Department, Candanoza requested backup shortly before the department received two 911 calls reporting that an officer had been shot as well as a call from a citizen using Candanoza’s radio.

Responding officers arrived at the scene and found Candanoza with gunshot wounds, according to the report. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Candanoza was able to provide the license plate number of the initial traffic stop. Using this information, state Highway Patrol and off-duty officers located and pursued the vehicle into Van Zandt County, where the suspect was apprehended, according to the report.

“We want to extend our deepest condolences to the family during this hard time,” Hauger said during a press conference on Monday.

Officer Candanoza joined the Terrell Police Department on July 15, 2024. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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