This marks the eight officer-involved shooting for the Dallas Police Department in 2026. The details you are about to hear are based on the preliminary investigation and may change as more information is confirmed.
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, at approximately 2:13 a.m., 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 into Highland Park before coming to a stop on Mockingbird Lane.
As the officer marked out on the traffic stop, the front seat passenger, later identified as Jeremy Mays, exited the vehicle and approached the officer. Mays began speaking incoherently and made an unsolicited statement that he did not have any weapons. As the officer attempted to guide Mays out of the roadway, Mays suddenly assaulted the officer, 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. Responding Highland Park officers, who heard the gunfire, arrived to assist. Mays was taken into custody at the scene. The driver of the vehicle fled but was later identified and interviewed by investigators.
Special Investigations Unit detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to process the scene. Investigators recovered two fired cartridge casings. A search of the area did not locate a firearm.
To ensure transparency, the Department is releasing the relevant portions of body-worn camera and dash-cam video so the public can see what occurred.
This incident is being investigated by the Dallas Police Department Special Investigations Unit, which investigates all officer-involved shootings. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent investigation, as required. The Office of Community Police Oversight responded to the scene and was briefed.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Information may change as additional evidence and witness statements are reviewed.
The Dallas Police Department is committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the trust of our community. Click here to view the critical incident video: https://youtu.be/4KOVFV3fxlA