Update:

 

The Deputy who was shot and killed this morning December 31, 2019, has been identified as Chris Dickerson by the funeral home handling his services. His services are pending at this time with the Hawthorn Funeral Home. 

 

 

Deputy Chris Dickerson

 

Press Release from Sheriff Kevin Lake 

At approximately 1:57 a.m,(on December 31, 2019) a Panola County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on FM-10 near FM-2260. Preliminary information indicates the deputy stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe on the northbound side of FM-10 when the driver suddenly exited the vehicle and fired a weapon at the Deputy. The deputy returned fire and the suspect fled the scene. Area residents, who had heard the gunshots, found the injured deputy and called for help. The deputy was transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, Gregory DeWayne Newson of Shreveport, La. was apprehended by Shreveport police and will be extradited back to Texas. At our request, the Texas Ranger are investigating this incident.

 

 

 

Gregory DeWayne Newson

 

 

We truly appreciate the assistance of the citizens who came to help the deputy and those who called valuable information and helped authorities track down the suspect. Our hearts are hurting and we ask the community to keep all of our deputies and the family of our fallen officer in your thoughts and prayers. As a result of the investigation in the beginning stages, there is no additional information available at this time. As information becomes available, it will be released.

 

Sheriff Kevin Lake