In the winter of 2026, the community of Copperas Cove, Texas, was shaken by the loss of one of its own. Officer Elijah Garretson, a 27-year-old man, was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A dedicated public servant, Garretson had been with the Copperas Cove Police Department for just seven months. His journey to law enforcement followed a distinguished seven-year career in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. He had recently graduated as the Academic Honor Graduate from the Central Texas College Police Academy in June 2025. During his time at the academy, he was credited with helping to save the life of a fellow cadet who went into cardiac arrest.
The fatal incident unfolded when Officer Garretson and two other officers were attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Jamison Wade Cavazos of Lampasas, was being sought for engaging in organized criminal activity and failure to appear in court. The encounter, which took place near the intersection of Great Hills Drive and Lost Trail, escalated into a physical altercation. During the struggle, Cavazos fatally shot Officer Garretson.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, leading to a manhunt. Law enforcement officers tracked Cavazos to a second location where a standoff ensued. After lengthy negotiations, the suspect was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities reported that Cavazos was on probation and had a warrant for DWI at the time of the incident. The Texas Rangers have taken the lead in the ongoing investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Elijah Garretson was remembered as a devoted father to his five-year-old daughter and a loving husband. He had married in July 2025, with a formal ceremony planned for April 2026. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, and raised in the area of Manchester, New Hampshire, he was a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. His interests included collecting fossils and minerals, playing video games, and spending time with his family and his dog, Oddie. Funeral services were held with full police honors to commemorate his ultimate sacrifice.
