
Jacob Candanoza Obituary, Terrell, TX — The town of Terrell is grappling with grief after the tragic death of Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, who was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop late Sunday night. Officer Candanoza, a recent recruit to the Terrell Police Department, had been serving for less than six months before the tragic incident that claimed his life.
The routine traffic stop took a devastating turn near the 1600 block of South State Highway 34, close to a Super 8 motel. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on December 8, 2024, leaving the Terrell community in shock and mourning.
The Traffic Stop
Officer Candanoza, following department protocol, initiated a routine traffic stop for unspecified violations. According to Terrell Police spokesperson Mary Hauger, the officer conducted the stop as per standard procedures. However, at some point during the interaction, Officer Candanoza requested backup. It remains unclear what prompted the request, and those details are still under investigation.
Tragically, shortly after his radio request for assistance, multiple 911 calls were received from witnesses reporting that an officer had been shot. Witnesses described hearing gunfire and seeing Officer Candanoza collapsed next to his patrol car, a scene that has left the community shaken.
Emergency Response
Responding officers arrived swiftly, finding Officer Candanoza critically injured with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of first responders and paramedics who worked frantically to stabilize him, Officer Candanoza succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital.
In a final act of heroism, Officer Candanoza was able to relay the suspect’s license plate information before losing consciousness, a key detail that led to the apprehension of the suspect.
The Pursuit and Arrest
The license plate information provided by Officer Candanoza enabled local law enforcement to track the suspect’s vehicle, which was heading east on Interstate 20. With the help of the Texas Highway Patrol and other agencies, a high-speed chase ensued, stretching into Van Zandt County.
The pursuit ended without further violence, and the suspect was taken into custody near Canton, Texas. Officials report that the suspect, whose identity has not been released, did not resist arrest. He is now in custody at the Van Zandt County Jail, where he is awaiting charges. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as the investigation continues.
Officer Jacob Candanoza: A Life of Service
Born and raised in Terrell, Officer Jacob Candanoza was deeply connected to his community. He had only recently graduated from the North Texas Police Academy and joined the Terrell Police Department on July 15, 2024. Known for his dedication and kindness, Officer Candanoza had quickly earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
“He was more than just an officer,” Terrell Police Chief Brent McAlister said during a press conference. “Jacob had a bright future ahead of him. He represented everything good about this department—honor, service, and courage.”
Candanoza was also a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Maria, and their two-year-old daughter, Sofia. Friends and colleagues remember him as a loving husband and father who was deeply committed to his family. “He did everything for his family