2 Texas Sheriff’s Deputies Killed in Shootout Following Standoff With Suspect

Jeffrey Nicholas. (Tom Green County Jail)

Officials in Texas said that two sheriff’s deputies were killed during a shootout with a suspect following a complaint about a dog.

Concho County deputies responded to a call about a dog after 8 p.m. on Monday in Eden, Texas, according to the Texas Rangers.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Jeffrey Nicholas, led the deputies on a foot chase before he barricaded himself in a building.

The deputies and Nicholas were then involved in a standoff that led to a shootout, which left the two deputies fatally wounded, the Texas Rangers told KSAN-TV. Another unidentified person was injured in the incident, officials said.

The names of the deputies were not disclosed by the Texas Rangers.

Nicholas was charged with two counts of capital murder of a peace officer, according to court records posted online. He’s currently being held on a $4 million bond.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement Tuesday after the deputies were confirmed to have been killed.

“Our hearts are broken over the senseless murder of two Concho County Sheriff’s Deputies who were gunned down in the line of duty. This terrible loss is a solemn reminder of the risks our brave law enforcement officers face while protecting our communities,” Abbott wrote on the governor’s website.

He added: “The State of Texas is prepared to provide any assistance needed to support the Concho County community and bring the perpetrator of this heinous crime to justice. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in prayer for the families, friends, and colleagues of these brave Sheriff’s deputies.”