Deputy Darren Goforth, of Harris County, Texas was ambushed and shot dead at a gas station on Friday night. According to law enforcement, Goforth was killed by a gunman with dark complexion, who has not yet been apprehended.
A community in Texas is mourning the loss of Deputy Darren Goforth, 47, a ten year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and married father of two, who was shot in the line of duty.
Goforth was pumping gas at a Chevron station near Houston when the attack took place. Authorities were made aware of the shooting around 8:25 p.m. and they believe that it was random and unprovoked. During a press conference, Deputy Thomas Gilliland explained:
“He was pumping into his vehicle … and the male suspect came up behind him and shot the deputy multiple times.”
The suspect kept shooting even after Goforth fell to the ground. Gilliland added:
“The deputy fell to ground … the suspect came over and shot the deputy again multiple times as he lay on the ground.”
Authorities are searching for the shooter, who left the scene in a Ford Ranger. They believe that he is between 20-25 years old with short hair and about 5-feet 10-inches or 6-feet tall.
Bob Goerlitz, president of the Harris County Deputies Organization, had the following to say about Goforth’s death:
“The way this happened – it wasn’t a family disturbance, he wasn’t chasing an armed suspect, this was cold-blooded murder. We’ve been warned of things like this because of public sentiment nationally and events over the last few years. It’s just horrific. That’s the only way to describe it.”
Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman also shared:
“In my 45 years in law enforcement, I can’t recall another incident so cold-blooded and cowardly.”
Officials in Texas are promising that justice will be served as they ask the public for help and prayers.
Update:
The suspect has been captured, according to authorities, his mother is the one who called 911.
Update 2:
Authorities denied capturing a gunman, they are still seeking the public’s help.
HCSO: Suspect Photos ReleasedThe Harris County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the shooting death of a…
Posted by Harris County Sheriff's Office on Friday, August 28, 2015
