Anderson County Deputy Shot; Suspect Killed

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

ANDERSON COUNTY – A deadly scene unfolded Saturday afternoon as an Anderson County deputy was shot in a gun battle with a suspect who was later shot and killed by a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper.

According to a statement from the DPS, “At approximately 3:15 p.m., Highway Patrol Troopers were called to assist the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) at the Hickory Ridge Mobile Home Park on Hickory Ridge Road.” 

When the DPS Troopers arrived at the scene, they learned Anderson County Deputy Bradley Coleman “… was seriously injured from a shooting incident,” the statement continued.  “The suspect fled the scene in the deputy’s vehicle. Troopers on scene rendered first aid to the deputy while additional troopers responded to assist.” 

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Terry Countryman, originally from Elkhart, was located a short while later where another gun battle ensued. The DPS statement indicated Countryman rammed a Palestine Police Department vehicle, disabling the stolen ACSO patrol unit and then fled on foot with a rifle taken from the deputy’s vehicle.   

Countryman next stole a blue SUV. He was located once again, crashed the SUV and then fled on foot into a wooded area.

“At approximately 5:30 p.m., a trooper located the suspect near FM 2330 and County Road 458. The suspect pointed a rifle at the trooper. The trooper fired a service weapon striking the suspect. EMS was notified and the suspect was transported to Palestine Regional Medical Center and later died. The trooper was not injured,” the DPS statement reported.

Countryman had been released from a Florida prison on Nov. 12, 2018.

Deputy Coleman is listed in serious but stable condition at a Tyler area hospital. 

The Texas Rangers are investigating and no additional information is currently available.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].