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Texas Tech officer shot dead at police station, suspect in custody

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Authorities apprehended a 19-year-old student accused of fatally shooting a Texas Tech University police officer at the campus police station Monday night.

University officials issued an alert saying the suspect had been taken into custody and a campus lockdown order had been lifted.

In an earlier statement, the university identified the suspect as Hollis Daniels.

According to a university statement, campus police made a student welfare check Monday evening and -- upon entering the room -- found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Officers then brought the suspect to the police station for standard debriefing.

"During this time, the suspect pulled a gun and mortally shot an officer," Texas Tech Police Chief Kyle Bonath said. "The suspect fled on foot and later apprehended by ... (campus police) near the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum." 

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Hollis Daniels, suspect in fatal shooting of Texas Tech University police officer on night of October 9, 2017 KLBK-TV

CBS Lubbock affiliate KLBK-TV quotes Lubbock police as saying, "A Texas Tech Officer was able to tackle the suspect as he fled and took him into custody. LPD officers were close behind and assisted."

Texas Tech officials initially issued a lockdown alert to students on social media, urging those on campus "to take shelter in a safe location."

"The family of the officer is in the thoughts and prayers of the Texas Tech community," said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. "I want to express my deep appreciation to the Texas Tech Police Department, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Sherriff's Office, and other state and federal law enforcement officials for their response."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a statement about the shooting late Monday, saying "hearts go out to the family of the police officer killed." Abbott also said he had mobilized state law enforcement resources to aid in the investigation.

Lubbock Police Chief Greg Stevens tweeted, "Heavy heart tonight. Thoughts and prayers with Texas Tech Police Department."

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