A Texas sheriff’s deputy died Friday after being shot multiple times from behind in an “unprovoked attack” while pumping gas into his vehicle while on duty.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports that a deputy had been shot, the department tweeted around 8 p.m. CNN reported the incident happened in the Houston area.
The department confirmed an hour later that the deputy, identified as Darren Goforth, had died.
Tonight we lost one of our brothers. This is an extremely difficult time right now for the Harris County Sheriff's Office. #ThinBlueLine
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) August 29, 2015
Goforth was pumping gas when he was shot several times from behind, the department tweeted, adding that it was an “unprovoked attack.”
Goforth was a 10-year veteran, with a wife and two children.
He died at the scene, CNN reports.
The gunman was described as a “dark-complected” man, between 20 and 25 years old, standing about 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, the department tweeted.
He was wearing a white T-shirt, red shorts and driving a maroon or red “fleet side” extended cab Ford Ranger and last seen heading westbound on West Road.
Investigators were pulling video from the service station, and asked for the public’s help in finding the gunman.
We ask that you continue to give us your prayers and thoughts. Continue praying for this deputy's family. #ThinBlueLine #HouNews
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) August 29, 2015
Prayers for peace for our partner deputy sheriff in Harris County TX & w/ family, friends @HCSOTexas #officerdown https://t.co/XOsama5pLj
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) August 29, 2015