Trooper Damon Allen, aged 41, was fatally shot on November 23, 2017, during a traffic stop in Freestone County, south of Fairfield, Texas. Allen, a dedicated officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety , had served for over 15 years. He was a loving husband and father of three daughters and one son.
The incident occurred when Allen pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation.
As he returned to his patrol car, the driver, identified as Darbrett Black, exited his vehicle and opened fire with a rifle, fatally shooting Allen at the scene. Allen's death marked the first time a Texas Highway Patrol trooper had been killed in the line of duty since 2008.
Following the shooting, a statewide "Be on the Lookout" alert was issued, and Black was later captured in Waller County after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement officers. Black, who had a history of violence towards law enforcement, was charged with capital murder and sentenced to life without parole. The case also led to the passing of the Damon Allen Act in 2021, which prohibits the release of personal bonds for defendants charged with violent offenses or those released on bail.
Trooper Allen's sacrifice and dedication to duty were honored by his colleagues and the community. His legacy continues to be remembered through memorials and dedications, including the naming of Damon Allen Way in Palestine, Texas.
Allen's tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the profound impact their loss has on their families and communities.
