A Van Zandt County sheriff's deputy was fatally shot while helping Canton police serve a warrant at a home south of town, and a Canton police officer was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire. The suspect inside the residence was later found dead from a gunshot wound. The shooting happened at a residence in the 4300 block of State Highway 198, just south of Canton.
According to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, the warrant service took place around 10 p.m. Tuesday, though KLTV reported the gunfire began at about 10:22 p.m. that night. Authorities said shots were fired from inside the home toward deputies and officers standing outside, and law enforcement returned fire. The Canton police officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment, per the NBC 5 report.
Suspect Wanted on Aggravated Assault Warrants
The person inside the home was wanted on outstanding felony warrants issued by the Canton Police Department for aggravated assault and aggravated assault of a peace officer, the station's report states. That suspect was found dead inside the residence from a gunshot wound once the gunfire stopped. As of the most recent reporting, the identities of the deputy, the injured officer and the suspect had not been released.
The Texas Rangers are now investigating the shooting, the same report notes. FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth also confirmed that the deputy was killed during the warrant service at the home south of Canton, underscoring how quickly the encounter turned deadly for law enforcement on scene.
Highway Reopened After Temporary Closure
State Highway 198 was temporarily shut down between FM 3227 and County Road 2211 while investigators worked the scene, according to KLTV. The road has since reopened to traffic. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public following the shooting.
Details about the sequence of gunfire, including which shots struck the deputy, have not been made public, and no information has been released about the condition of the injured Canton officer after being taken to the hospital. The investigation by the Texas Rangers remains active as authorities continue working to piece together what happened during the warrant service.
