Texas state trooper shot during traffic stop unlikely to survive

Officials on Monday said that a Texas state trooper who was shot during a traffic stop last Friday is unlikely to survive. 

Medical professionals determined that Texas Trooper Chad Walker “no longer displays signs of viable brain activity” and will stay on life-support at Baylor Scott & White Hospital until he can become an organ donor, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced over Twitter.

“This final sacrifice embodies Trooper Walker’s actions throughout his life and service as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper,” the department tweeted. “The Walker family is grateful for the continued support and prayers as they remain at Chad’s side.”

This final sacrifice embodies Trooper Walker’s actions throughout his life and service as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper. The Walker family is grateful for the continued support and prayers as they remain at Chad’s side. (2/2)

— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) March 29, 2021

Walker was shot as he slowed his vehicle to help a driver in a seemingly disabled vehicle west of Mexia, Texas, when the individual got out and fired at the trooper several times. During the incident, Walker was hit in the head and abdomen, prompting him to be transported by air to a Waco hospital.

DPS regional director Todd Snyder identified the suspect as DeArthur Pinson in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. Authorities searched for Pinson under a Blue Alert after he fled the scene, and they found him dead on Saturday in a residence on Highway 84 of a suspected self-inflicted gun wound.

Trooper Walker was stopping to assist a driver on FM 2838, when the driver exited the vehicle & shot him multiple times. Trooper Walker was transported to a hospital in Waco. The Blue Alert in this case has now been cancelled. No additional information is available at this time.

— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) March 28, 2021

Walker has four children, including a 2-month-old daughter, ABC affiliate KTXS reported. A prayer vigil for him was held on Saturday.

Trooper Walker is still alive but remains in critical condition. Your thoughts and prayers for him and his family are much appreciated pic.twitter.com/v8gq8VICub

— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) March 28, 2021