Van Zandt County sheriff discusses emotional loss for community

For the first time, a very emotional Van Zandt County Sheriff talked about the shooting that killed one of his deputies and wounded a Canton police officer. Good evening, I'm Steve Eager. Hello, everybody. I'm Heather Hayes. Sheriff's Deputy Adam Al-Sharifi leaves behind a wife and three children. The man who shot him was being served with felony warrants at his home Tuesday night when the violence erupted. Fox 4's Alex Boye covering the developments and joins us now live. Alex. Hey, guys, and I can tell you that the sheriff got a little choked up while talking about his slain deputy. We also learned today that the man who killed him and injured a Canton police officer fired more than 800 rounds at law enforcement officers that fateful night. The Van Zandt County Sheriff speaking in public for the first time since the killing of one of his deputies, Adam Al-Sharifi. This horrible, evil man right here, This is a man responsible for the murder of our deputy and for the violence this community is grieving from. Tuesday night was an act of pure evil. That man identified at Friday's news conference as 42-year-old Mi Van Nguyen. Deputy Al-Sharifi was among a group of law enforcement officers attempting to serve felony warrants at Nguyen's home late Tuesday night. The officers were outside when the sheriff said Wynn started shooting from inside the home using a semi automatic weapon, a bullet riddled law enforcement truck, evidence of damage from some 800 rounds fired by the shooter. Deputy Al Sharifi was fatally wounded. Now, I want you to look at this photograph right here. Everybody, this is Deputy Adam Al Sharifi. Adam represents everything that makes our community strong. Canton Police Officer Chris Watson who was nearby was shot in the arm. The sheriff said another deputy bravely provided cover so Officer Watson could be evacuated for medical treatment. Officer Watson and his family, I want you to know that we're praying for your recovery. And we stand with our brothers and sisters here in the Canton Police Department, Chief Allison, we're all family. Wynn was wanted on two felony charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault on a peace officer. We don't have details on those charges, but other public records do not show a history of violence involving the shooter. He was found dead inside his home, still not clear if he was struck during the shootout or killed himself. I just think that that man was such a coward. All he had to do is be a man and go to jail. Wynn's next door neighbor, who had to be evacuated during the deadly encounter reflected on the tragedy. The gunfire alone was like a massacre back there. And it's 300 feet from this house right here. Public records show Wynn owned the home where the shooting happened. The Van Zandt County Sheriff got a little emotional talking about al-Sharifi and the loved ones he's left behind, including a wife and three children. We grieve because families have their lives changed forever. Because children have lost their father, a wife, her husband. And the sheriff did not take any questions from reporters. I can tell you that Officer Watson remains hospitalized. He did undergo a successful surgery on his arm where he was shot. The Canton Police Department says they do not have an official photo of Officer Watson to share with us, but did add that he's been in law enforcement for 12 years and previously served in the U.S. Army. Back to you. All right, Alex, another emotional day in Van Zandt County. Thanks very much. Deputy Al Sharifi's funeral service is being planned for October 28th. It will be at Gravity Athletics in Canton on State Highway 64 at 1 o'clock. The sheriff says the public is invited.