DALLAS (AP) — Dallas’ police chief returned to work on Wednesday, weeks after officers gunned down his son for killing a fellow officer and a 23-year-old man.
Police Chief David Brown thanked those who supported him following the June 20 shootings, when his 27-year-old son David Brown Jr. shot and killed Lancaster police Officer Craig Shaw, 37, and neighbor Jeremy McMillan, 23. An autopsy showed the chief’s son had marijuana and the hallucinogenic PCP in his system.
“I’m dedicated to the department and to the citizens and making it the safest city in the country,” Brown said during an appearance at a North Texas Crime Commission event.
The shootings stemmed from a domestic dispute at an apartment complex in Lancaster, about 15 miles south of Dallas. Officers returned fire and killed Brown Jr., whose girlfriend had contacted police.
Chief Brown, who took over the Dallas force in May, attended his son’s funeral but had not attended any official functions since.
“A tragedy like this you want to withdraw, naturally,” said Brown, describing himself as a private person. The outpouring of support, from city leaders to fellow officers, helped his family, he said.
“We have a foe, and it’s the criminal element, and it’s not each other,” said Brown. “I’m ready to get back to work. I’ve been on the department 27 years next month.”
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