A Cameron Police Officer killed in the line of duty leaves behind a wife native to Lampasas.
Cameron Police Sgt. Joshua Clouse was shot on Wednesday while responded to a reported shooting in Cameron at later succumbed to his wounds. His wife, Stephanie Fortner Clouse, is a 2003 graduate of Lampasas High School. Fundraisers have been organized to support her and the couple’s two sons.
A prayer vigil was held at the Cameron Police Department on Friday night. Clouse’s visitation will take place this evening, Tuesday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Marek Burns Laywell Funeral Home, and a funeral will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, at 3 p.m. at the Bell County EXPO Center. He will be buried at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen at a later date.
The Heart of Texas Networking Group of Waco will accept donations on behalf of the Clouse family.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/clouse-family?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Memorials may also be made to the Josh Clouse Memorial Fund at Citizens National Bank Cameron.
The 100 Club of Central Texas has activated the Survivor Fund for the Clouse family. Donations can be made online and messages of support will be shared with the family.
The Cameron Police Department has parked Clouse’ patrol unit in front of the police station at 605 West Fourth. All are invited to stop by to pay their respects and leave flowers or other items to recognize Clouse.
According to Milam County Sheriff’s Office authorities, Joshua Clouse was shot while responded to a reported shooting in the city of Cameron on Wednesday, May 10. In a news release, Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore said at about 10:55 p.m. that night, Cameron Police responded to the 700 block of North Travis to a report of a gunshot victim.
The victim told police they were shot in the back of the neck by their spouse, later identified as Albert Rafael Acosta, 29, who had left the scene, authorities said.
Police received a warrant to search for the suspect at a residence in the 500 block of East 7th Street, Clore said. Cameron Police, Millam County Sheriff’s Officers, Rockdale Police and Texas DPS Troopers attempted to search the home when Acosta opened fire.
Law enforcement fired back and in the ensuing shootout, both Acosta and Clouse were wounded, authorities said. Clouse was transported to the nearest emergency room in Temple, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The incident is under investigation by the Texas Rangers, at the request of Milam County SO.
