Off-duty Dallas police officer shot outside Wheatland Road Sam’s Club

by PegNews wire

The officer was walked out of the building at gunpoint before he and the suspect exchanged gunfire.

On June 27, 2008, Officer Alph Coleman, was working an off-duty job for the Sam's Club at 2900 W. Wheatland. The store closed at 8:30 p.m. to the public, while employees remained inside processing paper work.

Around 9:15p.m., Officer Coleman was stationed in the front area, in full police uniform. Officer Coleman was approached by a suspect armed with handgun pointed at the officer. The suspect walked Officer Coleman to the cash office at gunpoint. When the suspect was unable to gain entrance to the cash office, he walked Officer Coleman back to the front area and exited the store.

As the suspect and officer reached a grassy area on the side of the store, a struggle ensued in which the suspect and Officer Coleman exchanged gunfire. The suspect fled the scene.

Officer Coleman was transported to Methodist Central Hospital and treated for a shoulder injury as well as a bruise on his chest from a gunshot wound. He was released early Saturday morning.

Police Officer Trainee Forest Carr and Sr. Cpl Oscar Carter were in route to assist Officer Coleman, when their police car flipped at W. Camp Wisdom Road and Houston School Road. Both officers were treated at Methodist Central Hospital for minor injuries and later released on Friday night.

It is uncertain if the suspect was injured in the gunfire. Thus far, he has not been arrested. Video from the Sam's Store surveillance camera is still being reviewed at this time.

Source: DPD