DPS Trooper Discharged from Hospital After Big Spring Shooting

LUBBOCK, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety trooper wounded in an early Monday officer-involved shooting in Big Spring has been discharged from University Medical Center in Lubbock and is now recovering at home, the agency announced Tuesday. 

The trooper, injured in the line of duty, was released on Tuesday after treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during the incident. DPS expressed gratitude for the medical team, law enforcement partners, and overwhelming community support, noting that prayers, messages, and encouragement have been deeply appreciated. 

The update follows the arrest late Monday of the second suspect, 30-year-old David Morales of Big Spring, who was taken into custody without incident by DPS Special Operations Group and a joint tactical team from the Big Spring Police Department and Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Morales was apprehended at the Westover Hills Apartments—near the shooting scene—and booked into Howard County Jail. He had an outstanding parole violation warrant related to charges of delivery of a controlled substance and burglary of a habitation. 

The incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. on Feb. 23 in the 500 block of Westover Road near the Westover Hills Apartments. A trooper attempted a traffic stop for a violation; the vehicle failed to stop, leading to a PIT maneuver. It veered into bushes, and two suspects fled on foot. 

During the pursuit, one suspect fired at the trooper, who returned fire. One suspect was killed at the scene; the second (Morales) initially escaped but was later arrested. 

The Texas Rangers continue to lead the ongoing investigation, assisted by the Big Spring Police Department and Howard County Sheriff’s Office.