On August 2, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Senior Corporal Rene Dominguez and Officer David Cortinas of the Dallas Police Department responded to a call regarding stolen property at a motel located at 9616 C.F. Hawn Freeway. It was reported by a witness that stolen equipment from a company had been tracked to a room in the motel.
Upon arrival, Senior Corporal Dominguez and Officer Cortinas approached the motel room and witnessed the suspect, 41-year-old Clifford Osmer, attempting to climb out of a window. However, Osmer quickly retreated back into the room and closed the window as soon as he spotted the officers. A woman who was staying in the room came out and informed the officers that Osmer was inside.
Concerned for their safety, Senior Corporal Dominguez cautiously entered the open door of the room. Inside, he saw a male witness sitting on a chair and Osmer standing at the back of the room. Suddenly, Osmer pulled out a weapon, assumed a shooting stance, and fired the handgun at the officers. Acting swiftly, Senior Corporal Dominguez took cover behind the open door of the motel room. Osmer then emerged from the bathroom and continued shooting at the officers. In response, both officers returned fire, hitting Osmer. He was immediately given first aid by Dallas Police and transported to a local hospital, where he is currently in stable condition. Thankfully, no officers or witnesses were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Osmer’s weapon had been stolen. Furthermore, the stolen property from the initial call was found inside the motel room, and the stolen vehicle connected to the case was later recovered at another location. As a result of his actions, Osmer will face two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant.
The incident was captured on video, which can be viewed [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q53ejFgbJNo).
This incident highlights the dangerous nature of law enforcement work and serves as a reminder of the risks that officers face on a daily basis. While officers strive to protect and serve their communities, situations like these can quickly escalate, requiring split-second decisions to ensure the safety of officers and the public.
The Dallas Police Department commends Senior Corporal Rene Dominguez and Officer David Cortinas for their bravery and swift action in apprehending a potentially dangerous suspect. Their quick thinking and professional response helped bring the situation under control and prevented harm to themselves or innocent bystanders.
This incident also underscores the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the public. The witness who alerted the police to the stolen equipment played a crucial role in providing information that led to the arrest of Osmer. By working together, communities can help law enforcement agencies effectively combat crime and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The Dallas Police Department is committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of its residents. Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the dedicated individuals who put their lives on the line to protect their communities. The department will continue to investigate cases like this and work tirelessly to apprehend criminals and maintain peace and order in the city.
In conclusion, the incident at the Dallas motel on August 2, 2023, serves as a testament to the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public to ensure the safety of communities. While officers face risks in the line of duty, their commitment to protecting the public remains unwavering. The Dallas Police Department will continue to uphold its mission of safeguarding the city and its residents.
