The funeral for a Texas police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty will be held in Belton, Texas, on Jan. 17.
New Hampshire native Elijah Garretson, 27, was an officer with the Copperas Cove Police Department who died trying to apprehend a wanted fugitive named Jamison Cavazos.
“Investigators said Jamison died at the scene,” state senator Pete Flores said in a press release. “Police said Cavazos had two pistols in his possession. Garretson was transported to Advent Hospital where he died. The Texas Rangers are handling the investigation.”
Flores is chairman of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. His senate district includes Copperas Cove.
"Texas Ranger investigation into the [Officer Involved Shooting] OIS involving Officer Elijah Garretson is an active and open case," Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bryan Washko told NTD. "There is currently no further information is available at this time."
Copperas Cove is in Central Texas between Killeen and Austin.
Overall, 111 federal, state, county, municipal, and U.S. Territory officers died in the line of duty in 2025 compared to 148 who died in 2024, a 25 percent decrease.
“We lament to document even a single such death, but this encouraging downward trend in fatalities likely reflects the continued adoption of proven best practices by police, sheriff, and corrections agencies, as well as a growing emphasis on the physical and psychological health of the men and women who work to keep our communities safe," National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Bill Alexander said.
The deceased suspect, Cavazos, who shot and killed Garretson, was wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity and failure to appear in court.
“This officer [Garretson] placed his life in harm's way, trying to protect public safety and paid the ultimate price,” Flores said. “This loss is a tragic reminder of the courageous sacrifice that our law enforcement officers face every day.”
The shooting occurred late on Jan. 10 near midnight, and Garretson’s official death occurred on Jan. 11.
At the time of contact with law enforcement, Flores said Cavazos engaged in a scuffle with Garretson and two other officers.
“During the attempted arrest, police said Jameson Cavazos, 26, shot Garretson and fled the scene,” Flores said. “Cavasos was located and shot himself as he attempted to flee.”