A Dallas Independent School District (DISD) police officer has been discharged from the hospital after being injured in an officer-involved shooting earlier this month. Officer Justin Jones was released following treatment for injuries sustained during an incident on August 6, where he was shot by a suspect using his own firearm.
The shooting occurred after Officer Jones responded to a report of a man walking along the median of LBJ Highway near Midway Road. According to an arrest affidavit, the individual, later identified as Jose Pantoja-Morales, voluntarily entered Jones’ police vehicle and was transported to a nearby Walmart parking lot.
While parked between the Walmart and a Sam’s Club, Jones attempted to detain Pantoja-Morales when the suspect began rummaging through the officer’s work bag. A confrontation ensued, leading to a struggle that resulted in Pantoja-Morales seizing Jones’ weapon and shooting him in the leg before fleeing the scene on foot.
Following the incident, Officer Jones was provided immediate medical attention, including a tourniquet, and was subsequently taken into surgery due to a serious injury to his femoral artery. Pantoja-Morales was apprehended after a brief foot chase and has since been charged with aggravated assault on a public servant.
Officer Justin Jones, now back at home, is expected to continue his recovery following this traumatic event.
