Officer Cushman had been with the department since spring 1997. He said in 1999
that he looked forward to a long career with the Arlington Police Department.
Police were investigating whether the shot involved a live round or resulted
from simulated ammunition or rubber bullets, which are commonly used during
training exercises, said Sgt. James Hawthorne. He said it's not protocol to use
live rounds in training exercises and that police are investigating what kind of
bullet was used. If it was a live round, police will investigate why it was
being used in a simulation, he said.
Some residents said they were concerned and surprised to learn that police were
training at the school, which is in a residential neighborhood where many
children play.
"With all these kids over there, you wouldn't think they would have a training
exercise with live ammunition," said Vonceal Williams.
Brad Cunningham, a UTA student, said he saw paramedics bring the officer out of
the building, still pumping his chest. His mother, Linda, said she was concerned
about the training involving guns.
"For something so careful, why didn't they take extra precautions?" she said.
City Council member Wayne Ogle said he was on his way home after ministering at
a funeral in Winsboro, Texas, when he received a call from City Manager Chuck
Keifer about the incident.
"Whenever one of the city's officers is killed it's a tragedy," said Mr. Ogle,
whose district includes the campus.
Deputy Chief Jerry Kendricks, who oversees the SWAT team, was on scene
comforting Officer Melissa Denton as she was marking the scene with tape.
"He was an outstanding officer," the deputy chief said. "He did a lot of
volunteer work in the community. He was the best and brightest in the
department."
Staff writers Kim Horner and Tiara M. Ellis contributed to this report.
Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/metro/stories/388454_copdead_08met.html
© 2001 DallasNews.com