Van Zandt County Deputy Adam Sherifi was shot and killed Tuesday night while helping Canton police serve felony assault warrants at a home south of the city, the sheriff’s office said.
Officers were outside the residence when gunfire came from inside. A Canton police officer was also wounded, and authorities later found the suspect dead in the home.
Gunfire during warrant service
Deputies joined Canton police in the 4300 block of State Highway 198 at about 10 p.m. October 20. The suspect had outstanding warrants for aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer, according to a sheriff’s office statement published by NBC 5.
Deputies and officers returned fire after shots came from the home at about 10:22 p.m. Sherifi died at the scene. Investigators found the suspect inside with a gunshot wound.
The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting. Authorities said the incident posed no continuing threat to the public.
The wounded officer was flown to a Plano hospital in stable condition for surgery on his right arm, Canton police said.
The officer was identified as Christopher Watson by County Court at Law Judge Joshua Wintters, who expressed concern that Watson could lose an arm, KLTV reported.
Community mourns deputy
Sherifi leaves behind a wife and three children, including a newborn, FOX 4 reported.
Family members, friends and residents gathered outside the Van Zandt County Courthouse at noon Wednesday for a prayer vigil.
Canton asked residents to pray for Sherifi’s family, its wounded officer and their fellow officers.
“We grieve with the Sheriff’s Office today,” the city said in a statement.
The Dallas Express previously reported that Darrian Cortez Johnson pleaded guilty to capital murder in the fatal shooting of Terrell Officer Jacob Candanoza and received a sentence of life in prison without parole on May 27. Authorities captured Johnson in Van Zandt County after the December 8, 2024, killing.
