East Texas deputy killed, police officer injured during exchange of gunfire with assault suspect, officials say

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.

Brenda Haley, who lives near the suspect, describes what happened last night as an ambush. 

"They didn't even get to get out of that car before all this went on,"  Haley said. "The sound of that won't ever leave my heart or my mind. It was just so unnecessary."

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. Watch below: 

Outside the Van Zandt County Justice Center, a growing memorial now honors Sherifi's sacrifice.   

"He was a joy. He was laughter," said Nancy White, a relative of Sherifi's. "He was fun. He loved his wife and his children."

For his family, the heartbreak also comes with uncertainty.

"He was the man," White said. "He did the providing and the protection, and they don't have that now."

Haley says neighbors never really knew a lot about the suspect.

"He stayed to himself," said Haley. "He had two kids that got off the bus right there."

The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing and the Texas Rangers will be the lead agency.