A Van Zandt County sheriff’s deputy was killed Tuesday night while helping Canton police serve a felony warrant, authorities said.
Deputy Adam Sherifi was shot during a confrontation with a man wanted on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer, Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger said. The man opened fire on Sherifi and Canton Police officers from inside a house, touching off a shootout in which Sherifi and a Canton police officer were both struck by gunfire.
Both officers were taken to a hospital for treatment. Sherifi did not survive his injuries.
Sheriff Bridger said the man law enforcement had been trying to apprehend was later found dead inside the residence from a gunshot wound. He did not say whether that wound was self-inflicted or came from rounds fired by officers.
Sherifi is survived by his wife and three children, one of whom was born in September.
Malakoff Mayor Nicole Mason-Driver offered condolences following the deputy’s death.
“I am praying that God surrounds his wife and children with comfort, strength, and love in the difficult days ahead. May they find support in the people around them and peace in the precious memories they will forever hold.”
No further details on the investigation have been released.
