In an alarming incident in Fort Worth on April 28, 2026, Edward Zapata, a member of the Fort Worth Police Civilian Response Unit, was shot in the eye while responding to a report of a car burglary. The sequence of events unfolded when Zapata intervened to assist a woman who was caught in the crossfire, demonstrating remarkable bravery in a dangerous situation.
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Footage from the incident, as reported by local media outlets including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and CBS News, showed Zapata rushing to help the woman as gunfire erupted. He urged her to take cover, saying, “Get down, get over here, come here, come here,” while attempting to guide her to safety. Tragically, amidst this chaos, he sustained a severe injury from shrapnel that struck his eye.
Zapata, who had only served in the civilian response unit for three weeks, helped the woman climb over a fence to safety before he himself was struck. His body-worn camera footage captured the harrowing moment when he communicated with dispatch, stating, “I need officers at my location. Just got uh, took a shot to the face.” This displayed not only his commitment to service but also the alarming risks faced by civilian responders in dangerous scenarios.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement soon arrived at the scene and ordered the shooter to drop his weapon. Following a multi-hour manhunt, the alleged shooter, identified as 39-year-old Angel Cantu, was arrested. He now faces three counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, highlighting the serious nature of his actions during the incident.
The Fort Worth Police Department confirmed Cantu’s arrest in a Facebook post later that day, thanking the community for its support and patience during the unfolding events. The capture marked the conclusion of an intensive search for the suspect, who posed a significant threat to public safety at the time.
Authorities promptly treated Zapata’s injuries and rushed him to the hospital. His partner from the civilian response unit, who had taken cover in their vehicle during the incident, was also rescued unharmed. The Civilian Response Unit, as outlined by the Fort Worth Police Department, does not carry firearms and is trained to handle non-violent situations, actively seeking to investigate reports, gather evidence, and prepare police documentation.
In a positive update, Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia announced on May 1 that Zapata had been released from the hospital. Garcia shared on social media a heartening image of Zapata, beaming through a bandage covering his injured eye, a sign of his resilience and commendable spirit. “#Update – Former 30 year Marine and current Civilian Response Unit Officer is in GREAT Spirits…thank you @JPS_Health for the amazing care you are providing!” Garcia expressed, also acknowledging the support of local officials and the community.
The incident highlights the sometimes perilous nature of civilian roles within law enforcement and raises questions about the safety measures in place for those responding to calls without the backing of armed officers. As investigations continue, the Fort Worth community is watching closely, remembering the courageous acts of individuals like Edward Zapata who risk their lives to protect others.
Residents and officers alike are reminded of the honourable, yet dangerous, responsibilities undertaken by civilian responders as part of the broader police force. As the Fort Worth Police Department reviews procedures and safety protocols, community support for injured personnel remains strong, underscoring the collective effort to prioritise safety and security in the region.