FORT WORTH, TX – A heroic member of the Fort Worth Police Civilian Response Unit is being praised for saving a local woman’s life despite suffering a gunshot wound to the face during a violent confrontation.
Heroism Under Fire
On Tuesday, April 28, Edward Zapata was responding to a routine car burglary report when a suspect suddenly opened fire. Body-worn camera footage captured the intense moments as Zapata, a 30-year Marine veteran, rushed a nearby resident to safety.
“Get down, get over here, come here, come here,” Zapata is heard telling the woman. After helping her climb over a fence to escape the line of fire, Zapata was struck by shrapnel in his eye. Despite the injury, he remained calm, calling into his radio: “I need officers at my location. Just got… took a shot to the face.”
Civilian Unit Role
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by the Civilian Response Unit. According to the Fort Worth Police Department, these employees are unarmed and typically do not respond to active-suspect scenes. Zapata had only been on the job for three weeks when the burglary call turned into a life-threatening ambush.
Zapata’s partner, who was taking cover in their vehicle, was also rescued by arriving officers.
Suspect in Custody
Following a multi-hour manhunt, authorities arrested 39-year-old Angel Cantu. He has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault against a public servant.
Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia confirmed on Friday, May 1, that Zapata has been released from the hospital and is recovering.
