Dallas law enforcement launches "Operation Deep Cover" in wake of deadly Deep Ellum shootings

A day after a trio of overnight shootings in Dallas' Deep Ellum neighborhood left four people dead and 15 others wounded, law enforcement agencies say they're taking action and have already made an arrest in a case adjacent to the chaos that erupted.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas held a press conference on Monday in Dallas. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould shared remarks and was joined by Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, along with representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI's Dallas field office, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Dallas division, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations' Dallas field office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Trio of shootings in Deep Ellum

Dallas' Deep Ellum neighborhood was shut down overnight after police said three shootings unfolded within minutes of each other, leaving four people dead and 15 others injured.

Dallas police told CBS News Texas the first shooting unfolded around midnight at a convenience store along the 2600 block of Elm Street. Police said five people were shot in the parking lot in an apparent altercation. Minutes later, DPD said gunfire erupted along Commerce Street near South Crowdus Street, leaving three people dead.

The third shooting, according to police, happened along the 200 block of South Crowdus Street around 1:35 a.m., where one person died.

"The violence we witnessed this past weekend in Deep Ellum was unacceptable. Dallas PD and our federal partners are coming together to make Deep Ellum and Dallas safer than ever before," said Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux. "I thank U.S. Attorney Raybould for his immediate action in bringing federal charges against this suspect, and for continuing to champion public safety in Dallas."  

How did the neighborhood react?

Videos from the night showed people scrambling for safety.

"It sounded like fireworks hitting a wall, said Thomas Jennings, a manager at St. Pete's Dancing Marlin. 

One of the shootings took place right outside the bar; Jennings said they were getting ready to shut down when it happened.

"I'm cleaning barware, I look up to the right, and I see people ducking under and running," said Jennings.

Those who work in the area say before the shootings happened, it was a good night.

"Everybody had a good time out here, costumes awesome, amazing. Everyone is good vibes," said Carlton Scott, the owner of Burrito Bandits.

Scott, along with others, said Deep Ellum is not the issue and is frustrated with the bad rap it gets.

"When the youth come to play, there seems to be no control. Situational awareness barely helps you out at that point. It's just shenanigans at that point," said Jennings.

What will Operation Deep Cover do?

Under the operation, law enforcement officers will cover Deep Ellum in both uniform and plain clothes. Uniformed officers will provide a visible presence to deter violence. Plain-clothes officers will operate alongside them, "so that those intending to commit crimes cannot tell when they are being watched."

"Deep Ellum is a vibrant part of Dallas, and the people who live, work, and visit here deserve to feel safe," said Raybould. "Operation Deep Cover reflects our commitment to working hand‑in‑hand with our law enforcement partners to drive down violent crime and hold violent offenders accountable. We will use every federal tool available to protect this community."

Operation Deep Cover comprises agents and officers from the FBI, ATF, DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Dallas Police Department, the new release states.  

• Increase resources: Devote more federal, state, and local law enforcement resources to Deep Ellum.
• Strengthen coordination: Establish a direct line of communication with DPD for crimes in Deep Ellum, with monthly meetings led by the Chief of Violent Crime.
• Prosecute aggressively: Pursue drug and firearm offenses aggressively.
• Prioritize federal prosecution: Bring cases federally wherever the facts and law support federal charges.
• Review past cases: Review cases from 2024 to the present and charge federal offenses where the evidence supports charges.
• Dedicated intake team: Work with Dallas County through an intake team to help ensure that no eligible case is overlooked.

Raybould also said a man was arrested in the wake of the violence, though the arrest wasn't directly tied to the shootings. 

Raybould said a man, identified as Treyveion Demby, was near one of the shootings and dressed in all black with a ski mask on. Raybould said Demby pulled out a loaded 9mm gun and pointed it at a crowd, but a DPD officer saw and ordered him to give up the weapon. Demby reportedly didn't obey at first, then Raybould said Demby did before running off and leading police on a chase. Demby was eventually captured and now faces charges. 

Raybould noted Demby has been arrested before on felony charges. Dallas County jail records show he has an ATF and parole violation hold as of publication.

Have there been other incidents in Deep Ellum?

Sunday night's shootings happened roughly six months after a pair of shootings in Deep Ellum left a security officer dead and five others injured. In one of the shootings back in May, Dallas Police said a man pulled out a gun and shot five people. Those victims, police said, faced non-life-threatening injuries.

The second shooting, police said, happened about two hours later and around the corner along Elm Street near North Crowdus Street. Officers said someone shot and killed a security officer, identified as 26-year-old Joseph Gray. He was taken to a hospital by private vehicle, where he later died. The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Detorius Tarver. He was arrested at the scene and charged with murder.

Officers said Gray was trying to break up a fight when Tarver opened fire.

Gray's family said he was excited to become a father and was working extra hours to prepare for his new baby. His death has raised concerns about security at Deep Ellum nightlife venues, with calls for stronger safety measures and better protection for security staff. Gray's mother filed a lawsuit against both La Tardeada and Tarver in June. The suit claims the club allowed patrons to pay extra money to bypass security. The club remained closed after the shooting, and the filing seeks $1 million in damages.

A triple shooting also unfolded in Deep Ellum in August, happening along the 2900 block of Elm Street – just three blocks away from where the first Halloween shooting would unfold. 23-year-old Demond Hardy was arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated assault by discharging a firearm into an occupied building, house, or vehicle, which is a first-degree felony.