Tyler County deputy ‘fine’ after shooting

A Tyler County Sheriff’s deputy has been released from Christus St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont after being shot twice during a routine traffic stop in Hillister Friday, Dec. 8.

According to Sgt. Trish Ford of the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office, Gary Parks

was released from the hospital Saturday when his bulletproof vest saved his life after being shot twice at close range about 10:30 p.m.

“He is out of the hospital and recovering nicely,” Ford said.

Ford said Parks stopped a two-door silver Mazda in Hillister. As he approached the vehicle, the suspect shot Parks and left him in the middle of County Road 4455. Ford said it is unknown what type of weapon was used to shoot Parks.

Parks, a 12-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, was airlifted to St. Elizabeth’s where he was treated and released.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his 30’s, with short hair and a goatee. He was last seen driving the silver, two-door Mazda.

“We are working a few leads in this case,” Ford said. “We want this guy very bad.”

In the past three years, Tyler County Sheriff’s deputies have now been

shot at twice. Two years ago, deputies faced gunfire during a robbery attempt in Woodville. In 1992, Deputy Tracy Ferguson was shot at during a police situation.

“I guess it’s getting worse,” Ford said.

Anyone with any information on the suspect is urged to contact the Tyler County Sheriff’s Department at 409-283- 2172 or any local police department.