[Breaking news update 8:42 a.m.]
Authorities have a man in custody who is “believed to be the alleged gunman” in the killing of a uniformed sheriff’s deputy, Sgt. William Kennard of the Texas Department of Public Safety told CNN.
[Original story published at 7:51 a.m.]
A man shot a uniformed sheriff’s deputy “execution-style” while he fueled his patrol car in the Houston area, killing him instantly, authorities said.
Deputy Darren H. Goforth, 47, was returning to his car after pumping gas Friday night.
The gunman walked up from behind him and opened fire for no apparent reason, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said.
When Goforth fell to the ground, the gunman stood over him and shot him some more, authorities said. He died at the scene.
“He was literally gunned down in what appears to be an unprovoked, execution-style killing,” Hickman said. “I have been in law enforcement for 45 years, I have never seen anything this cold-blooded.”
‘He did not say anything’
The gunman gave no indication of his motive. He drove away after the shooting in a red Ford Ranger, authorities said. A manhunt is underway to find him.
“He (the suspect) did not say anything,” said Deputy Thomas Gilliland, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office. “If anyone saw anything … any leads we can get.”
Gilliland declined to name the suspect, saying they are still going over video from the gas station.
Authorities urged any witnesses in the area to come forward, saying some bystanders called 911 to report the shooting.
About 30 minutes before the shooting, Goforth had investigated an accident, but authorities said it’s unclear whether there was a connection to the attack.
A father of two
Goforth was a married father of two.
“Our hearts go out to them,” Hickman said, asking the community to remember his family in prayer.
“In times like these, it’s important to ask for the prayers from this community,” he said. ” … It strikes us in the heart to simply be a target because you are wearing a badge.”
As the manhunt continued overnight, Hickman vowed the suspect will be held accountable.
“We will hunt this person down and do our best to bring this person to justice,” he said.
After the news conference, he led a group of law enforcement officials in prayer, their heads bowed solemnly.
Leading causes of officer deaths
Before the attack in the Houston area Friday, 22 law enforcement officers had been shot to death so far this year nationwide, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Traffic incidents are the leading cause of officer fatalities in the U.S., followed by shootings.