The New Hampshire State Police is mourning the death of a Texas police officer who grew up in the Granite State.The Copperas Cove Police Department said Officer Elijah Garretson was killed in the line of duty on Saturday during a shooting.Texas State Sen. Pete Flores, whose district includes Copperas Cove, said Garretson was shot while trying to apprehend a fugitive who was wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity and failing to appear in court.According to Flores, Garretson and two other officers got into a scuffle with the suspect as they tried to arrest him. The suspect, 26-year-old Jamison Cavazos, shot Garretson during the scuffle and fled the scene, Flores said.Garretson, 27, was transported to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.”As we begin to navigate this incredibly difficult time, we ask for understanding and patience as our department, Officer Garretson’s family, and our law enforcement family grieve this tremendous loss,” the Copperas Cove Police Department said in a Facebook post.”This officer placed his life in harm’s way trying to protect public safety and paid the ultimate price,” said Flores, chairman of the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and a former colonel of the Texas Game Wardens. “This loss is a tragic reminder of the courageous sacrifice that our law enforcement officers face every day.”Garretson grew up in New Hampshire and graduated from Manchester Memorial High School.He later joined the U.S. Army and became a cavalry scout, serving in the military for seven years. Garretson joined the Copperas Cove Police Department in 2025.Garretson leaves behind a wife and a 5-year-old daughter.”The New Hampshire State Police mourns the passing of Officer Elijah Garretson, a New Hampshire native, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty last Saturday,” the agency said in a Facebook post. “During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues at the Copperas Cove Police Department, and all those affected by this tragedy. He will never be forgotten.”Police said Cavazos was later located by officers and after a lengthy negotiation attempt, he shot himself.Flores said Cavazos was pronounced dead at the scene and two pistols were found in his possession.The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting.Garretson’s police cruiser has been parked in front of the Copperas Cove Police Department for those who wish to stop by and pay their respects.Information from WMTW sister station WMUR was used in this report.

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

The New Hampshire State Police is mourning the death of a Texas police officer who grew up in the Granite State.

The Copperas Cove Police Department said Officer Elijah Garretson was killed in the line of duty on Saturday during a shooting.

Texas State Sen. Pete Flores, whose district includes Copperas Cove, said Garretson was shot while trying to apprehend a fugitive who was wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity and failing to appear in court.

According to Flores, Garretson and two other officers got into a scuffle with the suspect as they tried to arrest him. The suspect, 26-year-old Jamison Cavazos, shot Garretson during the scuffle and fled the scene, Flores said.

Garretson, 27, was transported to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.

“As we begin to navigate this incredibly difficult time, we ask for understanding and patience as our department, Officer Garretson’s family, and our law enforcement family grieve this tremendous loss,” the Copperas Cove Police Department said in a Facebook post.

“This officer placed his life in harm’s way trying to protect public safety and paid the ultimate price,” said Flores, chairman of the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and a former colonel of the Texas Game Wardens. “This loss is a tragic reminder of the courageous sacrifice that our law enforcement officers face every day.”

Garretson grew up in New Hampshire and graduated from Manchester Memorial High School.

He later joined the U.S. Army and became a cavalry scout, serving in the military for seven years. Garretson joined the Copperas Cove Police Department in 2025.

Garretson leaves behind a wife and a 5-year-old daughter.

“The New Hampshire State Police mourns the passing of Officer Elijah Garretson, a New Hampshire native, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty last Saturday,” the agency said in a Facebook post. “During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues at the Copperas Cove Police Department, and all those affected by this tragedy. He will never be forgotten.”

Police said Cavazos was later located by officers and after a lengthy negotiation attempt, he shot himself.

Flores said Cavazos was pronounced dead at the scene and two pistols were found in his possession.

The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting.

Garretson’s police cruiser has been parked in front of the Copperas Cove Police Department for those who wish to stop by and pay their respects.

Information from WMTW sister station WMUR was used in this report.