14-02-2025
Parker County jury sentences man to 50 years in shooting of sheriff's deputies
A Parker County jury sentenced a man to 50 years in prison Wednesday for shooting at three sheriff's deputies, according to a statement from the district attorney's office.
56-year-old Gary Donald Evans of Weatherford pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of aggravated assault of a public servant, according to the statement.
On Jan. 30, 2024, the three deputies were trying to serve a warrant at Evans' home when Evans stepped out from behind a vehicle and fired a handgun at them, officials said.
'He hit one deputy below his bulletproof vest, but thankfully the bullet struck an extra magazine that he had on his duty belt, saving him from any significant injury,' Parker County District Attorney Jeff Swain said.
The deputies then fired back at Evans, striking him several times, and then immediately started to render aid, applying a tourniquet to Evans' arm and leg and a chest seal, according to the statement.
Evans was taken into custody and transported to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, officials said.
Attorneys for Evans argued that their client was depressed about his wife leaving him and was attempting 'suicide by cop,' according to the statement.
In recognition of the lifesaving care given to Evans following the shooting, the deputies were presented with a Life-Saving Award in the Parker County Commissioner's Court last June, officials said.
