Darren Goforth, Texas deputy killed ‘execution style’ while fueling patrol car

Police were questioning a person of interest in the execution-style killing of a uniformed Texas sheriff’s deputy Saturday and warned during a press conference that “dangerous rhetoric” against law enforcement has “gotten out of control.” 

Deputy Darren H. Goforth, 47, was returning to his patrol car after pumping gas Friday night in Houston when a man shot him from behind, killing him instantly. 

The gunman walked up from behind and opened fire for no apparent reason, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman said, CNN reported. 

Authorities said the gunman stood over Mr. Goforth after he fell to the ground and continued to shoot him. 

“He was literally gunned down in what appears to be an unprovoked, execution-style killing,” Mr. Hickman told CNN. “I have been in law enforcement for 45 years, I have never seen anything this cold-blooded.” 

The gunman drove away after the shooting in a red Ford Ranger, authorities said. 

Police described the suspect as a “dark-complected male” in his early 20s wearing a white T-shirt and red shorts. 

During an emotional press conference Saturday afternoon, Mr. Hickman blasted national rhetoric attacked to the “black lives matter” movement that he said was dangerous for law enforcement. 

“We’ve heard black lives matter — all lives matter,” he said. “Well, cops’ lives matter too.” 

The person of interest was voluntarily taken in for questioning early Saturday and authorities said he was cooperating, NBC reported. 

During the news conference authorities pleaded for help from the public. M. Hickman said no one has been taken into custody, and asked for any witnesses to the shooting of the loving “father, husband, son and committed law enforcement officer” to come forward.

“We will hunt this person down and do our best to bring that person to justice,” Mr. Hickman said.