Adam Sherifi, a 31-year-old deputy with the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office in Texas, was a devoted husband and a loving father to three young children, including a newborn baby. His wife described him as a brave, strong, and kind man. A relative, Nancy White, remembered him as the kind of father who was always actively playing with his kids. “He was the provider. He was the protector. He was who a father and man should be,” White said.
At work, he was known for his ability to connect with people. Van Zandt County Court at Law Judge Joshua Wintters recalled Sherifi as an affable person who would joke with people, ask about their day, and make their day better with his genuine kindness. Friends and colleagues said it takes a special kind of person to leave his family, including a six-week-old baby at home, to do a dangerous job, and that his willingness to do so showed his character.
On the night of Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Deputy Sherifi was assisting the Canton Police Department in serving felony warrants at a residence in the 4300 block of State Highway 198, just south of Canton. The suspect inside the home was wanted for aggravated assault and aggravated assault of a peace officer. Around 10:22 p.m., as officers stood outside the residence, the suspect opened fire from within the house. A neighbor several houses down described hearing horrific, rapid gunfire.
In the exchange of fire that followed, Deputy Sherifi was fatally shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Another officer, Christopher Watson of the Canton Police Department, was struck in the arm. Officer Watson, who had been with the department for two months after previously working for the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office, was flown to a hospital in Plano for surgery. Doctors described his injuries as life-altering, and there were concerns he could lose the use of his arm. Law enforcement returned fire, and the suspect was later found deceased inside the home from a gunshot wound.
The Texas Rangers took the lead in the investigation into the deadly shootout. Following the incident, State Highway 198 was closed for a period between FM 3227 and County Road 2211 as investigators processed the scene. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office scheduled a press conference for Friday, October 23, to provide further details on the investigation. The identity of the deceased suspect was not immediately released by authorities.
The Van Zandt County community was deeply shaken by the loss. Residents and local leaders gathered for a prayer vigil outside the county courthouse on Wednesday, where flags were lowered to half-staff. People left flowers and paid their respects at a memorial set up for Deputy Sherifi, whose badge number was 1805. The city of Canton and the Canton Police Department issued statements expressing their grief and asking for prayers for all involved. Law enforcement agencies from across the region, including Dallas ISD Police and the Texas Highway Patrol, traveled to Van Zandt County to offer support, providing extra officers, jailers, and dispatchers to allow the local departments time to grieve.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community quickly organized fundraisers to support Deputy Sherifi's family, including a BBQ benefit. The Van Zandt County Peace Officers Association also began collecting donations to help provide for the families of the officers involved. Sherifi's mother posted on social media that she wanted her son to be remembered as a hero. His wife shared a photo of him in uniform, writing, “Adam my love… you were an angel taken from us too soon. I love you forever and always.” The case is considered solved, as the primary suspect was deceased at the scene.
