McKinney, Texas – On March 13, 2025, at approximately 2:44 p.m., McKinney Police officers responded to the Red Roof Inn, located at 1300 North Central Expressway, McKinney, Texas, for a reported shooting. Officers arrived and located a 52-year-old female victim who had been shot in the upper body. Officers and McKinney Fire Department personnel rendered aid at the scene before the victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was stabilized.

The male suspect retreated into his hotel room and barricaded himself inside. SWAT and Crisis Negotiators responded to the scene and made phone contact with the suspect. During negotiations, the suspect stated he was going to shoot everyone. Approximately 30 minutes later, the suspect exited his room and walked down the staircase, yelling aggressively before walking away from officers. Officers deployed a police K9 to assist in the suspect’s apprehension. As officers deployed the K9, the suspect presented a firearm and shot K-9 Azi. Responding to the immediate threat, officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect.

Officers rendered medical aid to the suspect at the scene, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. During the exchange of gunfire, police K9 “Azi” was fatally injured.

K9 Azi stood proudly among us—not just as a working dog, but as a fierce protector and loyal teammate. His time with Officer Blair and the McKinney Police Department was marked by courage, dedication, and a quiet strength that spoke volumes without a single word.

Every time Azi suited up, he did so with heart. He didn’t just chase suspects—he chased excellence. He didn’t just respond to calls—he answered a calling.

The connection between a handler and their K9 is forged through long nights, high-stakes moments, and an unbreakable trust. Azi embodied that connection. His presence made us better. His service made us safer.

We honor him. We remember him. And we carry forward with the same strength he showed every day.

Rest easy, Azi. We’ve got it from here.

Debra Leigh Stansell, age 40, of McKinney, Texas passed away January 31, 2012. She was born February 27, 1971 in Dallas, Texas to Edgar Eugene Nicholson and Gladys Haroldine (Adair) Nicholson. On February 2, 1999 Debra married Derek Stansell in Plano, Texas. She grew up in Plano, Texas and graduated from Plano West High School in 1989.

Debra worked as a dispatcher for the McKinney Police Department and as a police officer for the Lewisville and Frisco Police Departments. She is survived by her husband, Derek Stansell of McKinney, Texas; children, Eryca Noelle Dox, Emily Morgan Dox, Troy Scott Stansell and Robert Ty Stansell.

Sergeant John Chilton, former Police Officer for the City of McKinney, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 2, 2011.

Police Officer John Libby died from injuries sustained in an off-duty motorcycle accident on Custer Road in Frisco, Texas. John and his family relocated from New Jersey in 2007. Since then, he has honorably served the citizens of McKinney for nearly six faithful years.

John’s commitment to his family, community, and fellow officers will be deeply missed. Officer Libby was up for promotion and was awarded his Corporal stripes and badge after his passing. A shadowbox with his stripes and badge was presented to his family after the 2013 Awards Picnic in April 2014.

Sergeant David Waldschmidt, age 56, of McKinney, Texas passed away March 14, 2011 of a heart attack. He was born July 26, 1954 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Herbert Waldschmidt and Mary Ann (Pierce) Waldschmidt.

On October 18, 1986, he married Carol Gracy in McKinney, Texas. David was a police officer with the McKinney Police Department. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchild. At the time of his passing, he was still employed at McKinney PD as a CID Supervisor.

Patrolman Burk was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance. While on the scene, they arrested one suspect and as they were walking him to the patrol car a second suspect opened fire on them with a .22 caliber rifle.

Patrolman Burk was shot in the stomach and fatally wounded. His partner, who was also wounded, was able to return fire and shoot the suspect. The man was convicted but later released from prison. Patrolman Burk had been with the agency for 18 months.

He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Officer Taylor was shot and killed after stopping a taxi cab whose driver was waving him down. The taxi driver had been abducted at gunpoint in Dallas and was being forced to drive to Denison. When Officer Taylor stopped the taxi the suspect shot him six times. The man was convicted and executed in the electric chair on March 18, 1940.

Officer Taylor had served with the agency for 10 years. He was survived by his wife.

Marshal Burks succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day. He was shot by a store owner after he responded to a prowler call. The officer and a night watchman had arrested three people at the scene. The night watchman took two of the suspects and Marshal Burks took the third suspect. As the marshal placed the suspect in his vehicle, the store owner, who believed Marshal Burks was one of the prowlers, opened fire with a shotgun.

Marshal Burks had served with the McKinney Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.