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Dallas Officer In Iconic Snapshots Speaks

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DALLAS (CBS11) – For many, the snapshots taken by Robert Moore of a Dallas police officer hunkered down near a squad car with his rifle drawn has become the poster image the night five officers were killed in downtown on July 7.

Ambush Photo 2
Police ambush in downtown Dallas on July 7, 2016. (credit: Robert Moore/photographer)

Now, the officer pictured in those snap shots, 25-year old Dylan Smith, is speaking about those photos and the night that horror unfolded.

"I didn't realize he (Robert Moore) was taken pictures at that point," said Smith. "It was very chaotic down there."

Smith said he held his position for hours protecting Moore and himself.

In the moments following the shooting Smith said there was not telling what would happen next.  He says his main focus was to make sure he and Moore made it out okay.

Smith admits he was overwhelmed by how quickly and how far the images spread on social media.

While the photos went viral, the young officer said he wishes the image that engrains in peoples' minds is not his face but those of the five officers who were killed that night.

"It's an awesome photo but I kind of wish the picture of the five officers would be that," said Smith.

Officer Smith says he is hoping to reunite with Robert Moore.

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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