Like many police departments, Dallas has embraced the use of "bait cars" to lure car thieves. The vehicles, often festooned with electronics and other tempting items, are wired with tracking devices and cameras. On Sunday morning at around 2am, officers responded when they received a "bait car activation" on the 300 block of N. Walton Street.
"Officers got into a brief pursuit with the suspect, a 38- to 40-year-old black male, which ended in Fair Park," according to Dallas police. "The suspect intentionally rammed the police squad car and one officer fired his weapon striking the suspect."
Police say the suspect has been transported to the hospital in critical condition, but have not yet released any further details.
Update:
On April 18, Dallas police released the names of the officer and suspect. The suspect, Billy Ray Scott who, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The officer involved in this incident is Zachary Jones, who has 1.5 years on the force. "We have conducted a review as to why the vehicle did not shut down as planned," the police say. "We have made corrections to make sure this issue does not occur again. Due to the sensitivity of the bait car program, we will not be able to discuss the specifics about the technical issue."
Police involved shootings often involve a suspect using a vehicle in a threatening manner, according to DPD data.
DPD
