ARLINGTON — A veteran Arlington police officer was shot and wounded Tuesday evening while assisting Fort Worth officers who were serving an aggravated robbery warrant at an apartment complex on Arkansas Lane.
The SWAT team officer, identified as 35-year-old Bryan Graham, was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the head above his right eye. He was reported to be in stable condition late Tuesday night.
The suspect, identified as Alexzander Coan, 23, was also wounded in the ensuing gunfire. He died later at a hospital, police spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard said. Police said he had been sought for at least five armed robberies in Fort Worth, and several more in surrounding communities.
Police originally reported that a woman had also been shot; it was later clarified that she was injured by flying glass.
A WFAA reporter at John Peter Smith Hospital was told that Officer Graham gave a "thumbs up" sign after arriving at the hospital.
"We are very elated," said Arlington police Sgt. Christopher Cook. "All of our command staff; all of our officers that put on the badge and wear the uniform every day are very elated that this officer is in stable condition."
Arlington police said they became involved in the operation in the 600 block of East Arkansas Lane at 4:45 p.m. to assist Fort Worth officers who were serving the warrants. The first units requested help from the department's SWAT team.
Gunshots were heard as the SWAT team was getting into place, Richard said.
Neighborhood residents were stunned at what they witnessed. "It looked like something out of a movie," one woman said.
A Fort Worth police official asked everyone to keep Officer Graham in their thoughts and prayers. He was surrounded by family, friends and fellow officers at JPS Hospital and was said to be in good spirits.
Arlington police said Officer Graham is an 11-year veteran of the department. He is married and has a four-year-old son and and eight-year-old daughter.
E-mail mmoore@wfaa.com and twoodard@wfaa.com
