An incident involving a Dallas ISD police officer occurred last week when the officer was shot with his own firearm by a suspect during a struggle. The shooting took place in Far North Dallas, as detailed in an arrest affidavit.
The suspect, identified as Jose Pantoja Morales, has been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant. In the affidavit, it is reported that Morales grabbed Officer Justin Jones’ weapon and shot him in the leg while resisting arrest after being escorted from LBJ Highway.
Officer Justin Jones was responding to a report about a man walking in the median of LBJ Highway near Midway Road when he encountered Morales. The affidavit states that at approximately 10:45 a.m., Morales willingly entered Jones’ police vehicle, which then proceeded to a nearby Walmart parking lot.
Upon arriving at the parking lot, Morales began rummaging through Jones’ work bag. In response, Officer Jones attempted to remove him from the vehicle and turn him around, but Morales resisted. During the ensuing struggle, both men fell to the ground, and Morales managed to seize Jones’ firearm, firing a shot that struck the officer in the femoral artery.
Following the shooting, Morales fled the scene on foot but was apprehended after a brief chase in the 400 block of High Summit Drive. He later confessed to shooting the officer in an attempt to escape.
Officer Jones, who has served with the Dallas ISD Police Department for 16 years and is assigned to White High School, underwent surgery after receiving a tourniquet at the shooting site. He is currently reported to be in stable condition.
Dallas ISD Police Chief Albert Martinez expressed gratitude for the support received during this critical time, stating, “He was helping somebody in crisis, as we expect the officers to serve in the community. We’re grateful for the assistance and thankful for the amazing surgeons at Parkland.”
At this time, it remains unclear whether Officer Jones is still hospitalized following the incident.
