A Dallas police officer shot and wounded a passenger who attacked him during a traffic stop near Highland Park early Sunday morning, the Dallas Police Department confirmed Tuesday — marking the eighth officer-involved shooting for the department in 2026.
The incident began at approximately 2:13 a.m. on April 19 when an officer initiated a traffic stop on a black 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the 4800 block of Preston Road for operating without headlights. The vehicle continued driving before coming to a stop on Mockingbird Lane in Highland Park.
As the officer approached the vehicle, the front seat passenger, identified as Jeremy Mays, exited the car and walked toward the officer. According to the Dallas Police Department, Mays began speaking incoherently and made an unsolicited statement that he had no weapons. As the officer attempted to guide Mays out of the roadway, Mays suddenly attacked him, striking him multiple times and knocking him to the ground.
Mays then charged the officer again. The officer retreated westbound on Mockingbird Lane while being pursued by Mays. During the pursuit, the officer fired two rounds, striking Mays once in the abdomen. Mays collapsed in the roadway. Highland Park officers who heard the gunfire arrived and assisted at the scene.
Mays was taken into custody. Investigators recovered two fired cartridge casings. A search of the area did not locate a firearm on Mays.
The driver of the Jeep fled the scene during the confrontation but was later identified and interviewed by investigators.
The Dallas Police Department released body-worn camera and dashcam footage of the incident Tuesday. The Special Investigations Unit, which handles all officer-involved shootings, is leading the investigation. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office will also conduct an independent review, as required by law. The Office of Community Police Oversight responded to the scene and was briefed.
This is the eighth officer-involved shooting for the Dallas Police Department in 2026.
Body camera footage is available at: youtu.be/4KOVFV3fxlA