The Eyrie

CANTON, TX — A Van Zandt County deputy was killed and a Canton police officer was wounded after gunfire broke out during an overnight warrant service south of Canton, according to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect later was found dead inside the home.

Authorities said deputies were assisting Canton police shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday in the 4300 block of State Highway 198. The operation involved a suspect wanted on felony warrants for aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer.

Within about 20 minutes, officers reported shots coming from inside the residence toward law enforcement outside. Deputies and officers returned fire, and both the deputy and the Canton officer were hit during the exchange.

Deputy Adam Sherifi is identified after the deadly shooting

The deputy who died was identified by his mother as Adam Sherifi. The sheriff’s office said he was pronounced dead after being struck during the exchange of gunfire.

The wounded Canton officer was taken to a hospital in Plano with a gunshot wound to the arm. Officials told CBS News Texas that the officer is expected to recover.

The suspect has not been publicly identified. Investigators said the person was found dead inside the home with a gunshot wound, but they have not said whether that wound was self-inflicted or came from the gunfire exchange with law enforcement.

Officials say the suspect was wanted after an assault at Walmart

Canton Mayor Lou Ann Berry told CBS affiliate KYTX in Tyler that the suspect was wanted after an alleged sword assault at a Walmart the day before the shooting. That earlier incident appears to have set in motion the warrant service that brought deputies and officers to the home Tuesday night.

The sheriff’s office said the suspect had outstanding felony warrants tied to aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer. Officials have not released additional details about the earlier Walmart incident or how the warrants were issued.

As the gunfire unfolded, nearby resident Brenda Haley said it felt like an ambush. She said the deputies were not even able to get out of their car before the shooting started.

Neighbors describe a frightening scene as the investigation expands

Haley said the sound of the shooting will stay with her. She called the violence unnecessary and said neighbors in the area did not know much about the suspect, who she said kept to himself.

She also said the suspect had two children who got off the bus near the property. Her account reflects the shock in the neighborhood after the deadly confrontation and the sudden police response.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and that the Texas Rangers will serve as the lead agency. Officials have not said how many rounds were fired or exactly what happened inside the home after the exchange began.

Law enforcement and neighbors gather to honor the fallen deputy

By Wednesday, condolences were pouring in from law enforcement agencies and city leaders across the region. The Van Zandt County Peace Officers’ Association called the death a tragic loss and asked for prayers for Sherifi’s family, fellow officers and the wounded Canton officer.

A prayer vigil was held outside the Van Zandt County Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon. Outside the Van Zandt County Justice Center, a growing memorial marked the place where supporters gathered to honor Sherifi.

Family members remembered him as a joyful man who loved his wife and children. Nancy White, a relative, said he was someone who brought laughter and handled the roles of provider and protector for his family.

Questions remain as Texas Rangers take over the case

Even with the suspect dead, investigators still have important questions to answer, including who fired the fatal shot that killed him and what led to the escalation once officers reached the house. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect’s gunshot wound was self-inflicted or caused by return fire.

The sheriff’s office has said little else about the sequence of events beyond the initial call, the warrant service and the exchange of gunfire. That means the Texas Rangers will now be responsible for sorting out the timeline and evidence from the scene.

For Sherifi’s family, the loss is immediate and personal. White said his absence leaves a deep void, and the public memorial that has formed outside the justice center shows how quickly the region has turned its attention to mourning one of its own.