Edward Zapata was responding to a car burglary report when a suspect began to open fire in Fort Worth on Tuesday, April 28
Credit: InsideFWPD/Youtube
NEED TO KNOW
- Fort Worth Police Civilian Response Unit member Edward Zapata was shot in the eye while assisting a woman during a car burglary response late last month
- Zapata helped the woman climb a fence to safety before authorities arrived at the scene
- The suspect, Angel Cantu, faces three counts of aggravated assault and was arrested after a multi-hour manhunt
A police officer helped bring a woman to safety despite being shot in the eye in Texas.
On Tuesday, April 28, Fort Worth Police Civilian Response Unit member Edward Zapata was responding to a car burglary report when a suspect began to open fire in Fort Worth, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fox 4 and CBS News.
In footage obtained by NBC DFW and Fox 4, Zapata could be seen rushing the resident to safety following the gunfire before being hit by shrapnel in his eye and calling authorities for assistance.
“Get down, get over here, come here, come here," he told the woman after the gunshots were heard.
Credit: InsideFWPD/Youtube
After helping the woman climb over a fence to safety, Zapata's body-worn camera then captured him being shot and taking to his radio to say, "I need officers at my location. Just got uh, took a shot to the face.”
The 30-year Marine veteran had only worked in the response unit for three weeks, per Fox 4.
Upon arrival, authorities ordered the suspect to drop his weapon. They then rescued Zapata before rushing him to the hospital, per NBC DFW.
Zapata's civilian response unit partner, who was taking cover in their vehicle, was also rescued by authorities.
According to the Fort Worth Police Department's website, "civilian employees are not armed and do not respond to calls where a suspect is on the scene or likely to return. Their role is to investigate calls, collect evidence (including fingerprinting) and write police reports."
PEOPLE has reached out to the Fort Worth Police Department for further comment.
Credit: InsideFWPD/Youtube
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In a Facebook post on April 28, police confirmed that the suspect had been arrested.
“The suspect is now in custody related to the shooting that occurred earlier today. Thank you to everyone for your support and patience,” they wrote.
The arrest came after a manhunt that lasted for multiple hours, according to Fox 4.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Angel Cantu, was charged with three counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, per the outlet.
Meanwhile, Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia revealed on Friday, May 1, that Zapata had been released from the hospital, according to Fox 4.
In a post on X, Zapata was seen smiling with a bandage on his left eye.
“#Update – Former 30 year#Marine and current Civilian Response Unit Officer is in GREAT Spirits…thank you @JPS_Health for the amazing care you are providing!," Garcia wrote. “Thanks as well to@MayorMattie and your support from the@CityofFortWorth!”
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