Richardson Police Officer David Sherrard's watch came to a sudden end when a gunman opened fire from inside an apartment Wednesday.
Officer Sherrard, the first officer killed in the line of duty in the 63-year history of the Richardson Police Department, is a 13-year veteran. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
On Thursday night, officials escorted Sherrard's body from the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office to a local funeral home in Dallas. Law enforcement lined the streets and highways with fire trucks and police vehicles to pay tribute to Officer Sherrard. Drivers stopped their cars and stood outside on local roads to salute Officer Sherrard as the funeral car passed by.
The suspected gunman who fatally shot Sherrard and a civilian was taken into custody.
The standoff Wednesday lasted several hours and ended at midnight when the shooter, 26-year-old Brandon McCall, surrendered to authorities. He was rushed away in an ambulance but has since been taken to the Collin County Jail and charged with capital murder of a peace officer or fireman.
The incident started at about 7 p.m. when officers were called to the scene of a disturbance at the Breckinridge Point Apartments near East Renner and North Star roads. When they arrived at the scene, officers were fired upon, which is when Sherrard was struck in the neck.
Sherrard was rushed to Medical City Plano, where he was pronounced dead hours later, police said. His wife posted on Facebook Wednesday evening asking for thoughts and prayers for her husband and family.
The active shooter situation continued as a growing police presence surrounded the apartment building. A Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter hovered over the scene. During negotiations with police, the shooter, barricaded inside the complex, continued to fire shots.
The investigation into the fatal shooting will now be handed over to Plano police.
"It's the hardest day we've ever had," Richardson Police Chief Jimmy Spivey said in a Thursday press conference. "We're not doing well. But...this is a police department of professionals. It is an emotionally trying, traumatic day, but they're out there doing the things they do best serving this community."
After the standoff, officers recovered the body of a second victim at the scene who they've identified as 30-year-old Rene Gamez. Plano police said Gamez lived at the apartment where the incident took place and offered McCall to spend the night at his place. It's unsure what led to the deadly argument.
Renner Road was closed during the investigation and residents were urged to shelter in place before the shooter surrendered.
Law enforcement officers around the region are now paying their respects to the fallen officer. Shortly after midnight, Fort Worth officers arrived at the hospital. Residents and the community brought flowers and balloons at the Richardson Police Department, mourning the loss of Officer Sherrard.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted the following message on Twitter, along with other law enforcement agencies following suit.
A GoFundMe page was set up Thursday morning to help cover funeral expenses for Rene Gamez. Go here to donate.
The Dallas Police Association, through the Assist The Officer Foundation, has set up a donation page. You can send donations to the Sherrard family by clicking here, all net funds donated will go directly to the family. You can contact Brian Mayes at 214-208-5842 for more information.
Funeral arrangements for Officer Sherrard have been scheduled for Tuesday.