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‘Another Hero Down’: Dallas Police Officer Pronounced Dead After Home Depot Shooting

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Officer Rogelio Santander died of serious wounds Wednesday after being shot Tuesday trying to arrest a wanted theft suspect at a Dallas Home Depot. 

Another officer, Crystal Almeida, and a Home Depot security officer, Scott Painter, are also both in critical condition after the shooting, ABC News reports.

Santander, 27, and Almeida, 26, had teamed up with Painter to assist him in delivering a warrant when suspect Armando Juarez reportedly attacked the officers, shooting Almeida in her face and Santander in the back of his head. Painter was also shot four times, according to his family.

Several police departments have been sharing news of Santander’s death, calling for prayers and honoring the young officer’s memory. As the Winter Park, Fla. Police Department tweeted Wednesday, “Another HERO DOWN – Ofrc Rogelio Santander of Dallas PD has succumbed to his injuries. He gave his life while serving & protecting his community. Prayers to his family & the entire @DallasPD. #WPPD stands w/you & we hurt w/you.”

After an hours-long manhunt, police finally captured Juarez and brought him to a Dallas County jail. He is being charged with two accounts of aggravated assault, which is likely to increase, and is being held on $1.1 million bail.

Doctors say they are impressed with Almeida’s recovery so far. Dallas Police Association president Michael Mata told reporters, “She’s a fighter. The doctors treating her are greatly surprised in the improvements that she’s made in the last 24 hours. We just ask for continued prayers. It’s going to be a very, very long road for her.”

Both Almeida and Santander had been officers for three years and started training at the same time.

“We are going to take care of his family,” Mata said. “They will for always and forever be a part of the Dallas Police Association and the Dallas Police Department.”