Officer Elijah Garretson, 27, of the Copperas Cove Police Department was shot and killed on Jan. 10 while attempting to arrest 26-year-old Jamison Cavazos, who was wanted on alleged organized criminal activity charges. Cavazos later died of a self-inflicted gunshot at a second location as officers closed in; two pistols were recovered. The Texas Rangers have opened an investigation. Garretson, a former U.S. Army sergeant and an Academic Honor Graduate of his police academy class, is survived by his wife and young daughter.
Texas Officer Elijah Garretson Killed During Arrest Attempt in Copperas Cove
Texas police officer gunned down by wanted fugitive in violent arrest attempt: officials
Officer Elijah Garretson, 27, of the Copperas Cove Police Department was fatally shot on Jan. 10 while attempting to arrest a wanted fugitive, officials said. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Jamison Cavazos, had been sought on allegations of organized criminal activity and failing to appear in court.
Officer Elijah Garretson was gunned down in the line of duty while attempting to arrest a fugitive who was wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity and failing to appear in court on Jan. 10.
Details of the Incident
According to a Facebook post from State Sen. Pete Flores, Garretson and two fellow officers engaged in a physical struggle with Cavazos while attempting to take him into custody. Officials say Cavazos shot Garretson during the scuffle and fled the scene. Garretson was transported to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries.
The body of fallen police officer Elijah Garretson is escorted to the Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas on Jan. 13, 2026.
Officers later located Cavazos at a second site. After an extended negotiation, Cavazos died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound as officers closed in. Authorities recovered two pistols at the scene, Flores said.
Mourners attend the funeral of fallen police officer Elijah Garretson at the Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas, on Jan. 13, 2026.
Investigation and Reactions
"This officer placed his life in harm's way trying to protect public safety and paid the ultimate price," Pete Flores, chairman of the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, wrote. "This loss is a tragic reminder of the courageous sacrifice that our law enforcement officers face every day."
The Texas Rangers have opened an investigation into Garretson's death. The Copperas Cove Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The New Hampshire State Police posted condolences on Facebook, saying, "He will never be forgotten."
About Officer Elijah Garretson
Garretson was a native of New Hampshire and a former U.S. Army sergeant who was stationed at Fort Hood. He left the Army in June 2024 and subsequently entered the police academy, graduating as the Academic Honor Graduate of his class in June 2025, according to FOX 7. The outlet also reported that Garretson helped save a fellow cadet who experienced cardiac arrest during training.
He is survived by his wife and a 5-year-old daughter. Local and state officials have issued condolences to his family, colleagues and the community as the investigation continues.
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