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Texas Sheriff's Deputy Gunned Down At Gas Station

This undated photo provided by the Harris County Sheriff's Office shows sheriff's deputy Darren Goforth who was fatally shot Friday.
AP
This undated photo provided by the Harris County Sheriff's Office shows sheriff's deputy Darren Goforth who was fatally shot Friday.

A sheriff's deputy has been fatally shot at a gas station near Houston as he was filling up his patrol car in what authorities are describing as an ambush.

Deputy Darren Goforth, 47, was pumping gas Friday evening when a "male suspect came up behind him and shot the deputy multiple times," said Harris County Deputy Thomas Gilliland at a news briefing.

The Houston Chronicle says:

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"Even after Goforth fell to the ground, the man continued firing shot after shot into his body before fleeing in a red or maroon Ford Ranger pickup. "'The deputy fell to ground ... the suspect came over and shot the deputy again multiple times as he lay on the ground,' Gilliland said."

The Associated Press reports: "Police described the suspect as a dark-complexioned male who is believed to be between 20 and 25 years old, and stands about 5-foot-10 to 6-feet tall. He was wearing a white T-shirt and red shorts and driving a red or maroon pickup-style truck with an extended cab. Police said an intensive search for the suspect remained ongoing Saturday morning."

"In my 45 years in law enforcement, I can't recall another incident so cold-blooded and cowardly," Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said.

"We are actively searching for suspect right now," Gilliland said, according to the AP. "I can tell you with diligence and justice the suspect will be caught. And he will be brought to justice ... This is a very callous individual."

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