Dallas police urge Deep Ellum shooting suspects to surrender
Federal prosecutors and city leaders warn that evidence identifies those involved in the Sunday morning incident.
By Sergio Ramirez ·
Federal and local officials in Dallas County issued a direct appeal on Wednesday for individuals involved in the Deep Ellum shooting to turn themselves in.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould and Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux stated that investigators possess surveillance video and photographs that identify the suspects. Raybould said cooperation now could result in more favorable treatment than waiting for an arrest.
Raybould noted that federal, state, and local agencies launched Operation Deep Cover three days ago to address violence in the district. He said, "Your only chance at some leniency is to start cooperating on the others there that night that committed violence." He added that if authorities find the suspects, the outcome will be worse.
Authorities identified 31-year-old David Yancy as the primary suspect. He has been charged with seven counts of aggravated assault, which is a mass shooting, and a first-degree felony. Yancy also faces a federal firearms charge. Raybould said surveillance footage showed Yancy pulling a handgun from his waistband and firing 11 rounds into a crowd of several hundred people celebrating Halloween weekend around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Yancy surrendered to officials.
In a related federal case, Treyveion Dionte Demby was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Demby has four previous aggravated robbery convictions. Authorities said he allegedly pointed a loaded handgun toward Main Street during the violence, though they have not directly linked his arrest to the shootings. Two other shootings from that weekend remain under active investigation.
Comeaux warned that more video and photographic evidence continues to arrive. He said, "The first one who comes always gets the best deal." Raybould expressed that the office is deploying victim witness services to help the seven victims and their families recover.
Dallas police plan additional street closures in Deep Ellum this weekend. Officers will also target people loitering in parking lots. Comeaux told residents to visit establishments to eat, drink, or dance rather than hang out in parking areas.
