Associated Press
PALESTINE, Texas - An East Texas sheriff’s deputy was found shot to death early Thursday after a short chase with a vehicle he had radioed in as suspicious, authorities said.
Shelby Green, a 39-year-old investigator with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, was on his way to back up another officer on a domestic disturbance call when he noticed a suspicious vehicle at a Bradford area store where he thought a burglary might be taking place, Chief Deputy Mike Link said.
Green chased the vehicle, which appeared to be a silver Chevrolet truck, until it stopped on a bridge. As Green approached the vehicle gun fire was exchanged and he was apparently shot once in the chest, Link said.
An officer on the way to assist Green found his body about 1 a.m. Officers went back to the scene after daylight to search for evidence, Link said. The Texas Rangers are assisting the investigation.
Link described Green as a hard worker who was well liked in his community, where he was a former school board member.
Green had been employed by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years -- the past nine of those full-time.
Sheriff’s records clerk Terry Raybin said Green began as a part-time dispatcher with the sheriff’s department.
“He was very caring and dedicated to his work,” Raybin told the Palestine Herald-Press. “He loved what he did. I can’t see him doing anything else.”
“He’ll be missed,” Link said. “We’re a small department -- a lot like a family. Everyone is very upset, but we still have a job to do.”
Green is survived by his wife and three children.
Services for Green are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday.