Texas student charged with murder in campus officer's death
LUBBOCK, Texas -- A 19-year-old university student in West Texas was charged early Tuesday with capital murder of a peace officer in the fatal shooting of a police officer.
OFFICER IDENTIFIED
In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, officials identified the officer as 48-year-old Floyd East Jr.
East began his career with the Texas Tech Police Department on December 1, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, and his two daughters, Ana and Monica.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The fatal shooting happened at the campus police station, where the student was being questioned in a drug-related case, authorities said.
According to a Texas Tech University statement, campus police made a student welfare check Monday evening and, upon entering the room, found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Officers then took the suspect to the police station for a standard debriefing and to prepare to take him to the Lubbock County jail, Texas Tech police Chief Kyle Bonath said.
"During this time, the suspect pulled a gun and mortally shot an officer," Bonath said. "The suspect fled on foot and later apprehended by ... (campus police) near the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum."
SUSPECT INFORMATION
The suspect, identified by the university as Hollis Daniels, was tackled by officers in a parking lot adjacent to the coliseum.
Det. Thomas Bonds of the Lubbock city police department says in an affidavit that Daniels told officers he had done "something illogical" and that "he was the one that shot their friend."
It is not clear if Daniels had the gun on him when he was taken to the police station or if he took the weapon from an officer. Online jail records don't indicate whether he has an attorney to speak on his behalf.
In a press conference Tuesday, officials said Daniels has suicidal tendencies.
He is being held on a $5 million bond.
OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT
"The family of the officer is in the thoughts and prayers of the Texas Tech community," said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. "I want to express my deep appreciation to the Texas Tech Police Department, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Sheriff's Office, and other state and federal law enforcement officials for their response."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a statement about the shooting late Monday, saying "hearts go out to the family of the police officer killed." Abbott also said he had mobilized state law enforcement resources to aid in the investigation.
Texas Tech is a public research university in the city of Lubbock.
READ MORE: Fast facts on Texas Tech University
THE SUSPECT'S FAMILY
The Daniels family is well known in Seguin. His father, Dan, served two terms on city council. He still owns the Palace Movie Theater, located around the corner from the house where the younger Daniels grew up.
Hilmar Starcke has been friends with the Daniels family for decades, and remembers as he grew up watching the suspect walk across the street to go to school.
"We wouldn't understand," Starcke said. "I don't know anybody that can understand this. It's just another tragedy. I don't know what to say."
WATCH: Officials give new details in deadly shooting at Tech
