Trooper and Deputy Wounded, Suspect Killed in East Texas Warrant Shooting

Authorities say the confrontation began during a late-night arrest attempt and remains under active investigation.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper and a Wood County sheriff's deputy were wounded and a suspect killed during an exchange of gunfire while officers served an arrest warrant in East Texas late Friday, authorities said. The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. Friday near Quitman, roughly 90 miles east of Dallas, after a lengthy standoff. The trooper, who was wounded in the lower extremity, and the deputy were taken to a local hospital and are expected to recover fully. The suspect, whose identity wasn't immediately released, was wounded and also transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Why it matters

Warrant service incidents involving law enforcement can often escalate into dangerous confrontations, raising concerns about officer safety, use of force, and the need for continued training and de-escalation tactics. This event in a rural East Texas community highlights the risks officers face when carrying out their duties.

The details

According to authorities, the confrontation began during a late-night arrest attempt as officers were serving an arrest warrant. After a lengthy standoff, an exchange of gunfire erupted, leaving the trooper and deputy wounded and the suspect dead. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no additional details were immediately available.

  • The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. Friday near Quitman, roughly 90 miles east of Dallas.
  • The trooper and deputy were transported to a local hospital following the incident.

The players

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency responsible for highway patrol, criminal investigations, and other public safety duties in Texas.

Wood County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for the county where the incident occurred, located in East Texas.

Suspect

The individual who was killed during the exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers while they were serving an arrest warrant.

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What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities have not released any additional details at this time.

The takeaway

This event highlights the inherent risks and dangers that law enforcement officers face when carrying out their duties, particularly during high-stakes warrant service operations. It underscores the need for continued training, de-escalation tactics, and a focus on officer safety to minimize the potential for such confrontations to turn deadly.