A suspect fired more than 800 rounds from a semiautomatic rifle at officers during the attack that killed Van Zandt County Deputy Adam Al-Sherifi and wounded a Canton police officer, Sheriff Kevin Bridger said Friday.
Bridger identified the suspect as Mi Van Nguyen, 42, and said officers had gone to his home south of Canton on Tuesday to serve felony warrants for aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer.
“This individual unleashed an extraordinary amount of gunfire at the law enforcement officers who had come to serve those warrants,” Bridger said during a news conference, FOX 4 reported.
The shooting occurred in the 4300 block of State Highway 198, south of Canton, as The Dallas Express reported October 21. The sheriff’s latest account adds details about the gunfire and the effort to rescue the wounded officer.
Authorities later found Nguyen dead inside the residence. It remains unclear whether he died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound. The Texas Rangers are investigating his death, and Bridger said his department would cooperate.
Deputy aided wounded officer under fire
Deputy Brandon Fontenot was alongside Al-Sherifi and Canton Officer Chris Watson when the shooting began, Bridger said. Fontenot immediately provided lifesaving care to Watson, then returned fire as the attack continued.
His actions helped other deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel reach Watson and move him to safety for medical treatment, the sheriff said.
“In the middle of the extraordinarily dangerous situation, Brandon did what he had been trained to do, and that saved lives,” Bridger said.
Watson is recovering after surgeons removed a bullet from his arm, Canton police said.
Funeral scheduled for October 28
The sheriff’s office announced funeral services for Al-Sherifi at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, at Gravity Athletics, 29418 State Highway 64 in Canton.
Al-Sherifi leaves behind a wife and children, including a newborn. Bridger described the shooting as an “act of pure evil” and praised the deputy’s commitment to protecting his community.
“He represents duty, bravery and service,” Bridger said.
