Trooper James Scott Burns
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol
Texas
End of Watch: Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 11187

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 20 gauge
Suspect Info: Committed suicide

Trooper James Burns was shot and killed following a high speed pursuit in Marion County, Texas, at approximately 8:00 pm. The suspect stopped his vehicle, exited, and opened fire on Trooper Burns with a shotgun before he was even able to unlatch his seatbelt.

A citizen used the trooper's radio to inform dispatchers that the trooper had been shot near the intersection of Farm-to-Market roads 1969 and 729. The suspect fled the scene and committed suicide two days later.

Trooper Burns had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety for 5 years. He is survived by his wife, 6-month-old daughter, parents, and two brothers.

Agency Contact Information
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol
5805 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752

Phone: (512) 424-2000

Please contact the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for funeral arrangements or for survivor benefit fund information.