Texas Tech Police Officer Shot, Killed -- Suspect in Custody

A Texas Tech University police officer has been shot and killed after taking a student into custody for alleged drug possession. The student allegedly shot the officer in the head, killing him, and then fled the scene. He is now in custody.

UPDATE 10:30 CDT: KCBD NBC 11 released the following video of the suspect, Hollis Alvin James Daniels being taken into custody:

UPDATE 10:20 CDT: Officials report the alleged shooter of the Texas Tech University police officer is a freshman student from Seguin, Texas — Hollis Alvin James Daniels. 

Lubbock Police Department Chief Greg Stevens tweeted condolences for the loss of a fellow officer.

UPDATE 10:00 CDT: Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent the following statement following the murder of the Texas Tech University police officer:

First and foremost, our hearts go out to the family of the police officer killed at Texas Tech University. I have spoken to Chancellor Robert Duncan to offer my condolences, and I have mobilized the Texas Department of Public Safety to offer any assistance to the Lubbock Police Department. As the Texas Tech campus deals with this heartbreaking tragedy, Cecilia and I pray for the continued safety of the students and the entire community.

UPDATE 9:36 CDT: Texas Tech officials report the suspect is in custody and the lockdown has been lifted.

UPDATE 9:30 CDT: In a statement from Texas Tech University Communications Director Chris Cook, police found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia while conducting a welfare check in the student’s dorm room. The officer arrested him and took him to the station for a “standard debriefing.” The suspect then allegedly pulled a gun and shot the officer in the head. “The officer is deceased,” Cook stated.

UPDATE 9:25 CDT: Texas Tech officials tweeted a confirmation that the suspect shot the police officer after being brought into the station. The suspect remains at large.

UPDATE 9:15 CDT: KCBD reports that the student, Hollis Daniels, pulled a gun as police brought him into the headquarters building. He allegedly shot the officer, killing him and fled the scene. The university and the University Medical Center are currently on lockdown.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:

At about 7:50 p.m. CDT, Texas Tech University reported a shooting on campus via the university’s Twitter feed and emergency communications website.

“A shooting has been reported at TTU Police Department. Shooter is at large. The campus is on lockdown. Take shelter,” the Tweet states.

Officials say the suspect in the shooting of the officer is a Texas Tech student — 19-year-old Hollis A Daniels, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported Monday night. University police had been called to carry out a “wellness check” on the student. Police took him to the station for questioning. The suspect then allegedly shot the officer in the head and fled the scene. The statement did not reveal where the gun came from or if it belonged to the officer.

The Lubbock NBC affiliate, KCBD reports a university police officer was shot and killed during the attack which happened at the Texas Tech Police Department Headquarters.

University police requested that students and faculty shelter in place.

The suspect in the shooting incident is reported to be at large. He is described as being six feet tall and approximately 140 pounds with red hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt, the NBC affiliate reported. The suspect allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle.

The officer is the 101st law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty this year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. The officer is the 36th to be killed by gunfire.