Suspect identified in Lee County shootout near Dime Box, sheriff’s office established Wounded Deputy Fund

DIME BOX, Texas (KBTX) - A suspect has been identified in the shootout with authorities in Lee County, near the community of Dime Box.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to KBTX Raul Vega Perez was initially wanted for sexual assault of a child.

Authorities say a deputy and state trooper located Perez near the 1000 block of Stephen F Austin Boulevard, and he “abruptly entered a home.” Both the deputy and trooper chased Perez into the residence where the suspect shot the deputy twice above his vest. They fired back, killing Perez.

The deputy remains in an Austin hospital Wednesday morning after a four hour surgery. His condition was originally reported as stable, but after seeing the extent of his injuries in surgery, officials say as of 6:30 a.m. the deputy is in critical condition.

The Texas Rangers are investigating since this is an officer-involved shooting.

The Lee County Wounded Deputy Fund is taking donations at the First National Bank of Giddings. Money donated to the account will be used to help wounded or fallen deputies and their families, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Donations can be made directly to the account at First National Bank or at this link.

The incident was originally reported by Giddings Times & News.

The newspaper reports the gunfire exchange started around 10:00 p.m. Giddings Times & News reported the scene was secure around 1 a.m.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Giddings Police Department, the Texas Rangers, DPS and DPS SWAT were on scene.

Frank Smith for Giddings Times & News was also on scene and says the suspect was examined by a DPS Sergeant who flew a drone into the structure. Once it was determined the suspect was likely deceased, a SWAT medic entered the structure.

Smith reports three other people safely exited the structure.

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