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Jun 24, 2008 9:28 pm US/Central
Rockwall PD: Cop Did Not ID Self Before Shooting
Off-Duty Garland Officer Attempted To Break Up Argument, Investigators Say
GARLAND (CBS 11 News) ―
Twenty-four hours after friends and family gathered for a candle-light vigil, Rockwall police are releasing more information about the shooting death of 31-year-old Troy Pool.
Investigators say Garland police officer Brandon Hernandez did not identify himself as an officer just prior to the shooting.
"Regardless of whether you are required to, why didn't he identify himself?" asked Troy's brother, Tracy Pool.
The issue has angered the Pool family. They believe Troy would still be alive if he knew who he was dealing with.
Rockwall police told CBS 11 News that after interviewing several witnesses and taking a statement from Hernandez, there is no evidence that the off-duty police officer identified himself.
"Why leave anything to chance? He could have diffused the situation by identifying himself," said Tracy Pool.
Pool was shot to death Thursday by Hernandez, who was off duty at the time. Pool was driving home to Royce City when he got into an altercation with another driver. The two men ended up in the parking lot of the Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall.
According to witnesses and police, Hernandez stepped in to break up the argument. Investigators said Pool either displayed, waved or pointed a gun at the off-duty officer, who then opened fire, killing Pool.
Pool received the gun from a friend, but did not have a permit to carry the weapon.
Most police departments in Texas, including Garland, Rockwall and Dallas, do not require off-duty officers to identify themselves when involved in a confrontation.
Since the investigation continues, Officer Hernandez has declined to comment. However, several police officers not involved in this case told CBS 11 News, that when an off-duty officer is threatened with a gun, the last thing on their mind is reaching for a badge to identify them self. Most police officers immediately go into "defense mode."
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