ROCKDALE, Texas (KXAN) — A Milam County Sheriff’s Office deputy is being treated after he was shot multiple times Wednesday afternoon while conducting a mental health evaluation, according to county authorities.
Samuel Ferguson IV, a mental health deputy, was working with the Central Counties Services Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) to conduct a mental health assessment on a person who was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. . It happened around 2 pm on Inwood Drive, just west of the town of Rockdale.
The press release said the person became “uncooperative” during the evaluation and displayed “suicidal tendencies.” Responding officials determined the person was in crisis and a danger to self and others.
Ferguson tried to stop the person, which is when they opened fire on him, shooting him multiple times. Ferguson shot and hit the person, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputy Ferguson was airlifted in stable condition to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple.
Texas Rangers have been asked to investigate the shooting, and the subject’s identity is not being released until next of kin are notified.
Rockdale is located in northeast Williamson County.
KXAN will update this story when more information becomes available.
