2 central Texas sheriff’s deputies slain during gunfight over dog complaint; accused killer arrested

EDEN, Texas — Two sheriff's deputies have been killed in the central Texas town of Eden and a suspect has been arrested, according to authorities and media reports on Tuesday.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Justin Baker confirmed that the Concho County deputies died, but he said further details would be released in a statement later Tuesday.

ABC affiliate KSAT reported that Jeffrey Nicholas, 28, has been charged with two counts of capital murder of a peace officer, according to booking records. His bond was set at $4 million.

According to ABC affiliate KTXS, the deputies were shot and killed when they responded to a "dog complaint."

"While making contact with individuals at the residence, an altercation occurred and quickly escalated into gunfire," said a statement provided to KTXS by the Concho County Sheriff's Office.

Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that the deputies were killed Monday night, and that “our hearts go out” to their families and friends.

“This terrible loss is a solemn reminder of the risks our brave law enforcement officers face while protecting our communities,” Abbott said.

The Lubbock Police Department said in a statement that it was “heartbroken” to learn of the deaths and that its officers would escort the deputies’ bodies to a forensics lab in Lubbock later Tuesday.

Eden is about 210 miles southwest of Dallas.