A Dallas police officer, Senior Corporal Karissa David, has been left blind after being shot in the face during a premeditated attack on August 29. The incident also claimed the life of her colleague, Officer Darron Burks, in what the Dallas Police Department described as a tragic and targeted assault.
The suspect, Corey Cobb-Bey, 30, launched the attack just after 10:00 p.m. when Officer Burks approached Cobb-Bey’s vehicle in a parking lot. According to police, Cobb-Bey fatally shot Burks using a handgun and even recorded the encounter on his phone. Senior Corporal David, responding to the scene shortly after, positioned her squad car at the entrance of the lot. As she exited her vehicle, Cobb-Bey fired multiple shots at her, striking her in the face. Despite being injured, David managed to return fire before being critically wounded.
Senior Corporal Jamie Farmer, another officer on the scene before David, was also shot in the leg by Cobb-Bey with a shotgun. Cobb-Bey fled the scene after the attack, initiating a police pursuit that ended on an expressway in Lewisville. According to the police report, Cobb-Bey exited his vehicle with a shotgun and pointed it at pursuing officers, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire. “Cobb-Bey died at the scene, and no officers were injured in this final encounter,” the police stated.
David was immediately transported to the hospital in critical but stable condition. A GoFundMe page set up by her family revealed the extent of her injuries, stating, “She is currently blind in both eyes.” After spending several weeks in the hospital, she was released on September 19 but faced a long road to recovery. The family’s statement noted, “She has an upcoming surgery back in the hospital soon and various other specialist appointments scheduled.” The funds raised will be used to modify David’s home, assistive technology, and transportation for her outpatient care.
Dallas police recovered multiple weapons from the scenes, including two shotguns, a .22 caliber handgun, and a 9mm handgun. Investigators have determined the attack was premeditated, with evidence found on social media supporting this conclusion. The Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit continues to lead the investigation into the incident.
In addition to the physical injuries, David and her family now face significant financial and emotional challenges. According to the GoFundMe page, “Money that comes in will be used for modifications to their home, technology and devices that will aid her in living without her vision, and transportation to the therapies and care she needs.”
The tragic event has shocked the Dallas community, and police officials have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of Officer Burks and the critical injuries sustained by Senior Corporal David. As the investigation unfolds, the department continues to mourn and support the officers affected by the violence.