A Fannin County Sheriff's Office deputy was shot and wounded Thursday in what law enforcement groups are calling an ambush on a rural road outside Leonard, leaving the suspect dead and the deputy in the hospital. The confrontation played out on a back road in southern Fannin County, and investigators are still working through what exactly led up to the gunfire. So far, officials have not released the names of either the deputy or the suspect.
According to FOX 4, the deputy was answering a call in the 500 block of County Road 5012 in Leonard when shots were fired at the deputy on arrival. The deputy was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said Texas Rangers responded as well and are helping work the case.
SKY 4 video shows clear bullet damage in both the front and rear windows of a law enforcement vehicle, and the Texas Municipal Police Association described the incident as an "ambush," according to FOX 4. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office said only that the deputy was injured and taken for medical care as the investigation continues.
Investigation Under Way
Authorities are keeping a tight lid on additional details while they collect evidence and talk to witnesses. In Texas it is common for the Rangers to assist or take the lead on major officer-involved shooting investigations, and they have been brought into similar cases around the state, according to local reporting. Investigators are asking anyone who saw or heard anything related to the shooting to come forward.
State-Level Context
The incident lands at a time when state officials are steering grant money toward hardening patrol vehicles with bullet resistant windshields and door panels, a move supporters say can help officers survive surprise attacks. The Office of the Governor's Public Safety Office has opened up $5 million in fiscal 2026 grants to install NIJ Level IIIA vehicle glass, according to the state's eGrants announcement.
The Fannin County Sheriff's Office says it plans to release more details as they are confirmed and again urged anyone with information to contact investigators. This story will be updated as officials provide new information.
