Fallen Terrell police officer’s funeral set for Tuesday morning
TERRELL, Texas - The Terrell police officer killed in the line of duty will be laid to rest on Tuesday.
Officer Jacob Candanoza’s funeral is set to begin at 10 a.m. at Lakepoint Church in Rockwall.
Officers from all across the state are expected to be in attendance to help support Officer Candanoza’s family and friends.
The Backstory
Officer Jacob Candanoza (Source: Terrell Police Department)
Officer Candanoza was killed during a traffic stop on Dec. 8.
Investigators said he pulled over a pickup truck with an expired Mississippi license plate in the Super 8 Motel parking lot.
The driver, Darrien Cortez Johnson, drove off after shooting the officer multiple times. He was taken into custody several hours later near the Kaufman and Van Zandt County line.
Terrell police officer shot and killed after pulling over truck with expired plates
Police say the officer pulled over a truck with expired license plates from Mississippi and called for cover. But before backup arrived, he was shot multiple times at close range.
Who Was Officer Jacob Candanoza?
Officer Candanoza was a Marine veteran who worked for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the Terrell Police Department in July.
He was a husband and father of a young daughter.
Candanoza’s father hosted a vigil for his son last Sunday. He said the support from the community has been overwhelming.
"It just chocks you up. It’s just heartwarming. There’s no words. There’s no words for people. I don’t even know what to say," David Candanoza said.