special to the monitor

CANTON‑Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger released the following information on Oct. 20 regarding the shooting that killed a VZC Sheriff’s Department Deputy and injured a Canton Police Department Officer.
“On Tuesday, Oct. 20 at approximately 10 p.m., Van Zandt County Deputies assisted the Canton Police Department on a warrant service in the 4300 block of State Highway 198 in VZC, just south of the City of Canton.
“At around 10:22 p.m., law enforcement personnel on scene reported shots being fired from inside the residence towards deputies and officers outside, at which time law enforcement personnel returned fire. During that exchange of gunfire, a Canton Police Officer and a VZC Sheriff’s Deputy sustained injuries as a result of the gunfire.
“The injured Canton Police Officer was transported to a local hospital. A VZC Sheriff’s Deputy, during the exchange of gunfire with the suspect, was fatally wounded. The suspect was also found deceased inside of the residence from a gunshot wound.
“This was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. This is preliminary information and an investigation is being conducted by the Texas Rangers. There is no further information at this time.”
At the beginning of the Oct. 21 Van Zandt County Commissioners Court meeting, VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner Mitch Curtis prayed for the families of the sheriff’s deputy and the Canton police officer.
“For those of you who have not heard, we lost one of our sheriff’s deputies who was serving a warrant last night on State Highway 198,” VZC Judge Andy Reese said to those in attendance. “There was also a Canton Police Officer that was also shot. We are going to have a prayer vigil today (Oct. 21) at noon on the courthouse steps. You are invited to attend. This is being put together by VZC Court at Law Judge Joshua Wintters. We do intend to receive word from the Governor to put all of our flags at half-staff.”