Texas Dispatcher Alerts Officers After Hearing Gurgle, Finds Cop Shot in Squad Car

DALLAS, TX – A Dallas police dispatcher is being hailed as a hero after recognizing a subtle sound on a police radio that led to a swift response during the fatal shooting of Officer Darron Burks.

Owen Larsen, who joined the Dallas Police Department just last year, was working in the dispatch room on Aug. 29 when he noticed an unusual “gurgle” sound coming from Burks’ radio. Trusting his instincts, Larsen directed officers to check on Burks’ location in Oak Cliff, where they discovered the officer had been shot in his squad car.

The gunman, a former schoolteacher, fled the scene, prompting a large-scale pursuit that ended in Lewisville. Police cornered the suspect, who was fatally shot after opening fire on officers.

Larsen coordinated the emergency response, guiding officers to Burks and organizing efforts to track the suspect. Despite his shift ending at 10:30 p.m., Larsen stayed on duty to ensure the situation was resolved, managing additional high-priority calls and delegating tasks to prepare hospitals for incoming patients.

Dallas Police Chief Eddie García praised the dispatcher’s actions, calling them “brave and honorable work.”

The department credits its new Project 25 radio system, implemented last year, for helping Larsen quickly identify Burks’ location and respond in time. The updated system provides enhanced officer location data and allows communication across multiple agencies.

For Larsen, the events of that night remain a heavy burden. He described the aftermath as a “weird slowdown” and sought support from the department’s wellness unit. “It wears me out to think about that night,” Larsen told The Dallas Morning News. 

The two officers Larsen sent to check on Burks, Jamie Farmer, and Karissa David, were also injured during the incident. David was shot in the face and is now blind in both eyes. Farmer is recovering from her injuries. Larsen has stayed in touch with both officers.

“It’s a strange feeling,” he said. “You know what needs to happen, and you just do it.”

Burks was honored in a candlelight vigil and funeral service in early September, attended by colleagues and community members.