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A suspect fired more than 800 rounds at Texas police when they arrived at his home, leaving one dead.
The suspect, who was later found dead from a gunshot wound, also injured another police officer during the confrontation.
On Tuesday, a Van Zandt County sheriff’s deputy and members of the county police went to the home of Mi Van Nguyen, 42, to execute two felony arrest warrants, according to NBC 5.
Around 10:20 p.m., Nguyen opened fire from inside the home using a semi-automatic rifle, firing more than 800 rounds at authorities, according to the report. Sheriff’s Deputy Ahmed “Adam” Sherifi was killed and Township Police Officer Chris Watson was injured.
“Think about that. 800 bullets were fired at men and women whose sole purpose was to do their duty to protect this community,” Sheriff Kevin Bridger said at a news conference Friday, according to NBC 5. “This was not just an attack on law enforcement. This was an attack on the peace and security that every family in Van Zandt County, in every county, deserves.”
Nguyen was later found dead inside the home from a gunshot wound, NBC 5 reported. The Texas Rangers are currently investigating the incident.
He was wanted on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault of a peace officer, authorities said. No additional motive for Tuesday’s shooting at police was revealed at Friday’s news conference.
Bridger called the attack on the cops “pure evil.”
“Where a man chose violence, Adam chose a life of service,” Bridger said. “Where one man sowed fear and destruction, Adam took an oath and gave his life. Keeping our community safe.”
Sherifi is survived by a wife and a newborn baby and both were in close proximity to 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 son. A friend to all of us and a beloved member of our law enforcement family.”
Sherifi’s funeral is expected to take place next week.
During the shooting, fellow deputy Brandon Fonteneau provided lifesaving care to Watson, Bridger said. He shot the suspect to protect the injured officers and allow other personnel to take Watson to safety. Watson continues to recover in hospital.
“In the middle of an extraordinary and dangerous situation. Brandon did what he was trained to do, and it saved lives and protected 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 I am to this office and this community for what he did.”
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