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A man suspected of killing a Texas state trooper was taken into custody near Houston, according to the Waller County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Dabrett Black, of Lindale.

Around 3:45 p.m., a Highway Patrol Trooper stopped a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu for a traffic violation on southbound I-45 in Freestone County, just south of Fairfield.

Authorities said the trooper approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, and when he returned to the patrol unit, the suspect fired multiple shots from a rifle.

DPS spokesperson, Lonny Haschel, said the trooper died at the scene and the suspect fled southbound on I-45.


Waller County officials reported a shootout with the suspect, about three and a half hours away from Freestone County.

The Navarro County Office of Emergency Management reported that the suspect was taken into custody in Waller County, near Prairie View.

Thursday evening, Governor Greg Abbott sent out a statement saying in part, “With heavy hearts on this Thanksgiving, Cecilia and I express our most sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the Trooper who was callously killed today in the line of duty. The killer will face justice, and the State of Texas will continue to offer our unwavering support for the men and women in law enforcement who keep our communities safe."

Freestone County is about 90 miles south of Dallas.