Posted 11:12 am Friday, November 14, 2008
Officers Say Suspect Charged Them, Firing Gun
By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
FRANKSTON — Texas Rangers have provided additional details into the beating of a police officer and Thursday’s fatal shooting of 29-year-old suspect Jason Jermaine Cumby, who was armed with the officer’s gun after the two fought.
Staff Writer
FRANKSTON — Texas Rangers have provided additional details into the beating of a police officer and Thursday’s fatal shooting of 29-year-old suspect Jason Jermaine Cumby, who was armed with the officer’s gun after the two fought.
The Rangers’ report stated the suspect charged toward law enforcement officers as he fired the stolen gun at them, and was shot dead as officers returned fire.
Ranger Rudy Flores said in a prepared statement that Frankston officers Jason Ward and Elizabeth George heard a radio broadcast of a burglary suspect and the description of the vehicle.
The burglary was alleged to have occurred on Farm-to-Market Road 319. Area residents witnessed the burglary and followed the suspects driving a 1990s silver Cadillac.
Ward and George attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspects fled and a short pursuit began, but ended when the Cadillac crashed on Reed Street.
Cumby took off running, but the other man, identified as 32-year-old Anado LaMorris Robert of Athens, complied with orders to get down. He was taken into custody by George while Ward ran after the other suspect.
George then went to locate Ward and found the severely beaten and disarmed officer in a yard in the 600 block of Weldon Street.
Henderson County precinct 4 Constable Rick Stewart and deputy constable Buzz Sides, who were in the area for a funeral, responded to the call and encountered the suspect, who was armed with Ward’s firearm.
“Cumby ignored the Henderson County officers’ orders to drop the weapon and charged toward them. Cumby fired at least one shot from the handgun and was struck by return gunfire,” Flores said.
Residents told the Tyler Paper at the scene there were at least eight gunshots fired. Henderson County officials said Friday that Stewart is believed to have fired the fatal shot as the suspect ran toward him firing Ward’s gun.
A search of Cumby’s criminal history revealed multiple burglaries and drug offenses. His family said at the scene that Cumby was on parole at the time of his death.
An East Texas Medical Center spokesperson said Ward is listed in fair condition in the Intensive Care Unit.
Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor said he is thankful Ward’s condition is improving.
“He is already saying he wants to return back to work, but I think he might just have to wait a while before doing that,” he said.
Taylor added that there were stolen items from the burglary found in the Cadillac.
It is unclear what, if any, charges Robert faces.
He remains in custody on outstanding warrants.
The burglary was alleged to have occurred on Farm-to-Market Road 319. Area residents witnessed the burglary and followed the suspects driving a 1990s silver Cadillac.
Ward and George attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspects fled and a short pursuit began, but ended when the Cadillac crashed on Reed Street.
Cumby took off running, but the other man, identified as 32-year-old Anado LaMorris Robert of Athens, complied with orders to get down. He was taken into custody by George while Ward ran after the other suspect.
George then went to locate Ward and found the severely beaten and disarmed officer in a yard in the 600 block of Weldon Street.
Henderson County precinct 4 Constable Rick Stewart and deputy constable Buzz Sides, who were in the area for a funeral, responded to the call and encountered the suspect, who was armed with Ward’s firearm.
“Cumby ignored the Henderson County officers’ orders to drop the weapon and charged toward them. Cumby fired at least one shot from the handgun and was struck by return gunfire,” Flores said.
Residents told the Tyler Paper at the scene there were at least eight gunshots fired. Henderson County officials said Friday that Stewart is believed to have fired the fatal shot as the suspect ran toward him firing Ward’s gun.
A search of Cumby’s criminal history revealed multiple burglaries and drug offenses. His family said at the scene that Cumby was on parole at the time of his death.
An East Texas Medical Center spokesperson said Ward is listed in fair condition in the Intensive Care Unit.
Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor said he is thankful Ward’s condition is improving.
“He is already saying he wants to return back to work, but I think he might just have to wait a while before doing that,” he said.
Taylor added that there were stolen items from the burglary found in the Cadillac.
It is unclear what, if any, charges Robert faces.
He remains in custody on outstanding warrants.
