Armstrong County Sheriff Shoots And Kills Suspect During Struggle While Booking Suspect

Potter/Randall County Special Crimes Unit is investigating the shooting of a suspect that took place at the Armstrong County Sheriff's Office.  A suspect that had been picked up for a disturbance at a local store in Claude, TX attacked and overpowered the Sheriff during the booking process at the jail.  As the deputy attempted to stop the suspect and failed to, he then shot and killed the 52 year old man.

What "attempts" exactly did the deputy make?  I'm just wondering if he tried using a taser or batton, or maybe pepper spray before breaking out the most lethal tool he had at his disposal.

Amarillo Police

"The deceased suspect in this case was identified as Mitch Thompson, age 52.  An autopsy is scheduled Wednesday morning in Lubbock.  The deputy who fired her weapon is Deputy Fleta Barnett with the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office. The Special Crimes Unit continues to investigate this shooting and asks anyone with information about this incident to call 378-9468.

***Original Release***

On August 31, 2014 the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a disturbance at a local store in Claude. The Sheriff and a deputy were dispatched to handle the disturbance. A suspect was arrested and taken to the Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office to be booked in jail. During the booking process, the suspect attacked and overpowered the Sheriff and assaulted him. The deputy tried to stop the attack but the suspect continued assaulting the Sheriff. When the deputy’s attempt to stop the suspect’s attack on the Sheriff failed, the deputy shot the suspect. The Sheriff and the suspect were both taken to a local hospital. The suspect later died at the hospital. The suspect’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Special Crimes Unit continues to investigate this shooting and asks anyone with information about this incident to call 378-9468."