Deputy Chris Dickerson, a 28-year-old veteran of the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard, tragically died in the line of duty on January 1, 2020. He had served with the Panola County Sheriff’s Office for eight years and was a married father of two young children, according to the Associated Press.
Dickerson was shot multiple times during a traffic stop. Sheriff Kevin Lake expressed the department’s grief to the Panola Watchman, stating, “This young man gave his life doing what he was put on this earth to do.” The sheriff’s office added in a statement, according to KLTV-TV of Tyler, Texas, “and we ask the community to keep all of our deputies and the family of our fallen comrade in your thoughts and prayers.”
Panola County is located in east Texas, bordering Louisiana. The suspect, Gregory Newsom, 47, of Shreveport, La., was apprehended later in Louisiana and awaited extradition to Texas. Authorities identified Newsom as the individual who allegedly fired upon Dickerson with a semiautomatic rifle. He faces a charge of capital murder.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Reports indicate that Deputy Dickerson returned fire, striking Newsom at least three times in the leg, according to the AP. The confrontation occurred near Gary City, Texas. Authorities were alerted to the scene by a civilian who used Dickerson’s radio to report that the deputy was lying shot on the side of the road. Subsequently, a citizen who heard about the crime called 911 after spotting the suspect’s vehicle heading toward Shreveport. A vehicle pursuit ensued, leading to Newsom’s capture.
In 2018, Dickerson was among three deputies recognized for heroism for rescuing a woman from a burning home, KLTV reported. During his service in the Army, Dickerson worked as an avionic technician, ensuring the safety of Army aircraft, according to KYTX-TV.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement regarding Dickerson’s death. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deputy killed in the line of duty and with the Panola County Sheriff’s Office as they deal with the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy,” Abbott said. “We must never forget the solemn oath our law enforcement officers take to protect and keep our communities safe. We must also ensure that the perpetrator faces swift justice.”
Statement on Panola County Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty:
“I ask that all Texans join Cecilia and me in remembering the sacrifice and service of this brave sheriff’s deputy.”
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