“He’s such a nice guy, he’d take the shirt off his back and give it to you,” said Jones Morgan, a South Oak Cliff resident.
DALLAS — Oak Cliff residents say there are some sounds they’re familiar with.
“We hear gunshots all the time, but this time was different,” Kambilla Jones Morgan said.
Dallas Police Officer Daron Burks was shot and killed near E. Ledbetter Drive in South Oak Cliff on Thursday night. Two other officers were also wounded.
“It sounded like we were right next to a bunch of people shooting,” Jones-Morgan said.
Not only did she hear the gunshots, but she also saw Officer Burks’ presence.
“He’s a really nice guy, he’d take the shirt off his back and give it to you,” Jones-Morgan said. “My understanding is he’s in a marked car. Why would he do that?”
It was a shock that many could not comprehend.
“I was shocked. I didn’t know what to think,” said another resident, who asked not to be named.
Many residents said they were shocked that the shooting happened in the parking lot of Four Oak Cliffs, an organization that helps develop the area through education and social assistance.
“It’s kind of a hub of opportunity,” said Carolyn King Arnold, Dallas City Councilwoman for District 4. “That’s what Four Oak Cliffs is about. It’s about dreams and hopes.”
King Arnold visited the scene of the shooting on Friday.
“It’s just painful. It’s insulting. It makes me angry. It’s a very real issue that there are people on the street who have access, who want to have power and control. They don’t respect officers sometimes,” King-Arnold said.
Joseph Coleman, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, said the disrespect has gone too far.
“I’ve called 911 multiple times,” Coleman said. “At times I fear for my safety.”
It was the safety Officer Burks provided, and the hope for change he shared.
“I’m definitely praying for his family and friends,” Jones Morgan said.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at Watermark Church in Dallas.
Oak Cliff released the following statement Friday:
“Last night, Four Oak Cliffs received the heartbreaking news that Officer Daron Burks of the Dallas Police Department tragically lost his life in a late-night shooting in the parking lot of our community campus. Two other officers were also injured, one of whom is currently in critical condition. Our hearts go out to the family, loved ones and colleagues of this brave officer during this extremely difficult time.
“While this tragic incident occurred on our campus, we want to emphasize that it was an accidental and isolated incident. We are fully cooperating with local authorities as their investigation continues. Oak Cliff remains steadfast in our commitment to serving our community and will not compromise our mission. We will continue to do our work with compassion, impact and resilience in the face of such heartbreaking circumstances.”
