A suspect fired more than 800 rounds of ammunition at Texas police when they arrived at his home leaving one officer dead.
The suspect, who was later found dead from a gunshot wound, also injured another cop in the confrontation.
On Tuesday, a Van Zandt County Sheriff’s deputy and members of the Canton police went to the home of 42-year-old Mi Van Nguyen to serve two felony arrest warrants, according to NBC 5.
Around 10:20 p.m., Nguyen opened fire from inside the home using a semiautomatic rifle, unleashing more than 800 rounds at authorities, according to the report. Sheriff’s Deputy Ahmed ‘Adam’ Sherifi was killed and Canton police officer Chris Watson was injured.
“Think about that. 800 rounds were shot at the men and women whose only purpose was to carry out their duties to protect this community,” Sheriff Kevin Bridger said at a Friday press conference, according to NBC 5. “This was not simply an attack on law enforcement. It was an attack on the peace and security that every family in Van Zandt County, in all counties, deserves.”
Nguyen was later found dead inside the home from a gunshot wound, NBC 5 reported. The Texas Rangers are now investigating the incident.
He was wanted on two felony charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault on a peace officer, authorities said. No additional motive for firing at police Tuesday was released during the Friday press conference.
Bridger described the attack on cops as “pure evil.”
“Where one man chose violence, Adam chose a life of service,” Bridger said. “Where one man brought fear and destruction, Adam took an oath and gave his life. Providing safety for our community.”
Sherifi is survived by a wife and a newborn, and both were near the sheriff during the press conference.
“Adam represents everything that makes our community strong. He represents duty, bravery, and service,” Bridger said. “Adam was a young officer with his whole life ahead of him. He was a husband. He was a father, and he was a son. A friend to all of us and a beloved member of our law enforcement family.”
Funeral services for Sherifi are expected to be held next week.
During the shooting, fellow deputy Brandon Fonteneau provided lifesaving care to Watson, Bridger stated. He fired at the suspect to protect the wounded officers and allow for other personnel to take Watson to safety. Watson continues to recover in the hospital.
“In the middle of the extraordinary, dangerous situation. Brandon did what he had been trained to do, and that saved lives and protect the community,” Bridger said. “His courage and quick decision helped save lives. And I want Brandon to know how proud I am of him, how grateful to this office and this community for what he did.”
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Suspect fired more than 800 rounds as cops arrived at his Texas home