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Canton officer released after gunfire killed Van Zandt County deputy
Canton Officer Chris Watson has left the hospital after being severely injured in a shooting that killed Van Zandt County Deputy Ahmed “Adam” Sherifi. Watson is expected to undergo another surgery and faces a long recovery, police said.
Canton Police Officer Chris Watson has been released from the hospital after being severely injured in a gunfight that killed Van Zandt County Deputy Ahmed “Adam” Sherifi, police said Friday. Watson will need another surgery, and his recovery is expected to be lengthy. Police also clarified that he is not in danger of losing his arm.
The shooting began about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday as deputies and Canton officers tried to contact Mi Van Nguyen, 42, at his home south of Canton while serving two felony arrest warrants, Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger said. Nguyen fired at officers from inside the residence with a semiautomatic rifle, Bridger said.
Sherifi was killed during the response. Bridger said Nguyen fired more than 800 rounds at law enforcement. Nguyen was later found dead inside the home from a gunshot wound.
The Texas Rangers are investigating. Authorities have not provided information about a possible motive. Bridger described the shooting as an isolated incident and said Nguyen no longer posed a threat.
“Where one man chose violence, Adam chose a life of service,” Bridger said, honoring Sherifi at a Friday news conference. He did not take questions from reporters.