The Eyrie

CANTON, TX — A suspect accused of killing a Van Zandt County sheriff’s deputy and badly wounding a Canton police officer fired more than 800 rounds at law enforcement during Tuesday night’s attack, Sheriff Kevin Bridger said Friday.

Bridger shared the new details during an emotional news conference that also honored Deputy Ahmed “Adam” Sherifi, who was killed while helping Canton police serve two felony arrest warrants at a home south of Canton. The sheriff said the confrontation began around 10:20 p.m. when deputies and officers tried to contact 42-year-old Mi Van Nguyen, who opened fire from inside the residence with a semiautomatic rifle.

Sheriff describes intense gunfire and a fatal exchange

Bridger said Sherifi was fatally wounded and Canton Police Officer Chris Watson was severely wounded during what he described as a chaotic exchange of gunfire. Nguyen was later found dead inside the residence from a gunshot wound, and the Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting.

The sheriff said Nguyen had been wanted on two felony charges: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault on a peace officer. Bridger did not answer questions from reporters, and he said no additional details about a possible motive were released at Friday’s briefing.

He called the attack an act of “pure evil” and said it was aimed not just at officers, but at the safety of the broader community. Bridger said the suspect no longer poses a threat.

Deputy Ahmed Sherifi remembered as husband, father and friend

Friday’s event was the first time the sheriff’s office spoke publicly in detail about the attack and Sherifi’s death. Colleagues, friends and family members filled the room, including Sherifi’s wife, mother and newborn baby, who stood near the sheriff as he spoke.

A photograph of Sherifi was surrounded by flowers, favorite snacks and other mementos. Bridger described him as a husband, father, son, friend and respected member of the law enforcement family. He said Sherifi represented duty, bravery and service, and noted that the deputy was “young” with his whole life ahead of him.

The sheriff’s office later announced funeral arrangements for Sherifi. Services are set for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. in Canton.

Deputy Brandon Fonteneau credited with lifesaving action

Bridger also praised Van Zandt County deputy Brandon Fonteneau for what he did as the gunfire unfolded. The sheriff said Fonteneau was with Sherifi and Watson when the shooting started and immediately began giving Watson lifesaving care despite the danger around him.

As shots continued, Bridger said Fonteneau returned fire in an effort to shield the wounded officers and give other deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel time to reach Watson and move him to medical treatment. The sheriff said Fonteneau’s quick action helped save lives.

Bridger singled him out as an example of calm under extreme pressure, saying his courage made a critical difference in the response. Watson remains hospitalized and is recovering, according to the sheriff.

Canton community faces twin tragedies in one night

Bridger said the shooting’s impact on the county was compounded by another tragedy just two hours later, when a fire broke out at a home elsewhere in Canton and killed four children and their mother. He said the victims were the daughter and grandchildren of a Van Zandt County deputy.

The sheriff said the department is tightly knit and that the losses hit deputies, officers, dispatchers and their families personally. He said these were not just names in a news report, but people known and loved within the community.

Bridger told the families affected by both tragedies that they will not be alone and that the sheriff’s office will stand with them in the weeks, months and years ahead. He said the violence would not define the community.

Texas Rangers continue investigation as memorial plans take shape

The Texas Rangers are continuing to investigate the shooting, and the sheriff’s office said more details about memorial services and a funeral procession for Sherifi were expected later Friday. Officials said those plans were anticipated to be released sometime next week.

Bridger closed by emphasizing that the sheriff’s office would keep responding to the community’s needs. He said the department would continue serving because that was what Sherifi did, and he thanked the public for supporting the fallen deputy’s family and the injured officer.

The sheriff also directly addressed Watson and his family, saying the department was praying for his recovery and standing with Canton police during the hospital stay.