Texas deputy killed, police officer injured during exchange of gunfire with assault suspect, officials say
By Briauna Brown
Click here for updates on this story
TYLER, Texas (KTVT) — A Van Zandt County deputy has died, and an officer is in the hospital following an exchange of gunfire with a suspect overnight, officials say. The suspect was later found dead.
According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, deputies were called to assist the Canton Police Department to serve a warrant in the 4300 block of State Highway 198, just south of the city of Canton.
The sheriff’s office said that the suspect had outstanding felony warrants for aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer.
At about 10:20 p.m., law enforcement on scene reported shots being fired from inside the home toward deputies and officers outside, which prompted them to return fire.
During that exchange, a Canton police officer and a Van Zandt County deputy were struck, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The deputy, identified by his mother as Adam Sherifi, was pronounced dead.
The police officer, whose name has not been released, was transported to a Plano hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm and is expected to be okay, officials told CBS News Texas.
Officials said the suspect, who has not been identified, was found dead inside the home from a gunshot wound. However, officials have not confirmed if the wound was self-inflicted or from the exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
During an interview with CBS affiliate KYTX in Tyler, Canton Mayor Lou Ann Berry said the suspect was wanted after they allegedly were involved in an assault with a sword at a Walmart the day before.
Following the news of the deputy’s death, condolences from law enforcement agencies and city leaders began pouring in on Wednesday.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of a Van Zandt County Deputy who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” the Van Zandt County Peace Officers’ Association said in a statement. “Please join us in praying for the family, friends, and fellow officers of our fallen hero. We also ask for continued prayers for the officer who was wounded, praying for healing, strength, and a full recovery.”
A prayer vigil was held outside the Van Zandt County Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon in honor of the fallen deputy.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and the Texas Rangers will be the lead agency.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.