Texarkana residents are reminded of the risks faced by law‑enforcement officers after a sheriff’s deputy was killed and a police officer wounded during a warrant‑service operation near Canton, while the Texarkana Police Department celebrated several officers and a civilian analyst for outstanding service this year.
According to the Texas Gazette, the incident occurred late Tuesday outside a rural home about 60 miles southeast of Dallas. Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger said deputies were assisting Canton police in serving felony warrants for aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a peace officer when shots were fired from inside the home. The officers returned fire, and the suspect was later found dead from a gunshot wound. The injured officer, shot in the right arm, was taken to a hospital in stable condition and required surgery. The Texas Rangers have been assigned to investigate, and the names of the deputy and officer have not been released.
In a separate story, the Texas Gazette reported that the Texarkana Police Department honored four individuals for their contributions over the past year. Officer Jacob Miramontes, a two‑year veteran of the department and former Richardson Police officer, was named Officer of the Year after responding to more than 1,500 calls, making over 300 arrests, conducting nearly 1,000 traffic stops, and serving as the initial investigator on 150 crimes in 2026. Officer Matt Cashatt, a 28‑year department veteran and training coordinator since 2017, received the Officer of the Quarter award for coordinating more than 62,000 hours of training for nearly 3,000 personnel across 62 regional agencies.
Officer Hunter Hinds earned the department’s lifesaving award for his actions during a December 2025 shooting call, where he stopped severe neck bleeding on an unconscious victim until EMS arrived, a response later praised by an emergency‑room doctor. Crime analyst Rachel Mabe was presented with the civilian award of excellence for introducing innovative crime‑data practices and her recent acceptance into the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas’ Crime Analysis Certification Program. Police Chief Kevin Schutte praised Miramontes as “a stellar officer” who sets a new standard for newer officers to emulate.
Authorities continue to investigate the Canton shooting, and the Texas Gazette notes that the Texas Rangers will provide updates as the case progresses. The Texarkana Police Department’s recognition ceremony highlighted the department’s commitment to public safety and professional development, reinforcing community confidence in local law‑enforcement efforts.
Sources: texarkanagazette.com, texarkanagazette.com
