LUFKIN, Texas — A man was shot and killed during a confrontation with law enforcement officers in Lufkin.
Officers from the Lufkin Police Department and a deputy from the Angelina County Sheriff's Department found a man, identified as Richard “Ricky” Woods, 43, of Lufkin, wanted for a felony warrant at the former Cherry’s Grocery at 2805 N. Raguet Street.
Officials say they had been searching for Woods after he allegedly strangled a former girlfriend on August 27.
The woman told police Woods cut her battery cables and choked her. She told officers she lost consciousness three times as Woods strangled her.
"She was bleeding, had bruises, red marks on her face and neck, and a swollen bump on the side of her forehead," police said. "Based on the information, officers obtained a warrant for Woods’ arrest for third-degree felony assault/family violence impeding breath."
Police say Woods was a convicted felon, a registered sex offender for the aggravated sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, and was also wanted by the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole with a warning that he has violent tendencies.
Officers were tipped off that Woods would be Bigs at 2701 N. Raguet St. (the former Cherry’s Grocery). Around 4:15 p.m., officials say they saw Woods walking into the store and waited for him to return to his vehicle.
"Upon being confronted by the officer and deputy in the parking lot, Woods immediately pulled out a handgun," police said. "The deputy then fired at Woods, causing him to fall to the ground."
The LPD says an officer quickly approached and saw Woods on the ground, reaching and crawling toward his gun.
"The Lufkin officer then fired his patrol rifle at Woods, ending any further threat to the deputy and bystanders in the busy gas station parking lot," police said. "The officer and deputy began first aid on Woods, including the placement of a chest seal and tourniquets. Woods died at a local hospital a short time later."
The Lufkin officer was Woods’ sex-offender accountability officer, meaning that the officer made face-to-face contact with Woods once a month to monitor his status and compliance level, the LPD said.
Per officer-involved shooting policy, the Texas Rangers are reviewing the case and it will be presented to a grand jury at the end of their investigation.
The officer and deputy will be on administrative leave until after the grand jury presentation per officer-involved shooting policy. Officers names will not be released until they have given their statements per policy.
This is a developing story and CBS19 will continue to update when information becomes available.