Henderson County, North Carolina Deputy Sheriff Ryan Hendrix was shot and killed yesterday when he responded to a vehicle tampering and shooting call. The incident took place in the area of Bethea Drive and Piney Ridge Drive in Mountain Home.

A citizen called 911 after discovering two subjects breaking into a vehicle. The citizen retrieved a firearm and confronted them. One of the suspects, Robert Ray Doss, Jr. had a firearm and the two exchanged gunshots.

Deputy Hendrix and other deputies arrived on scene and confronted Doss, who was wanted on a warrant for parole violation. Doss initially complied with commands but then grabbed the handgun and opened fire, striking Deputy Hendrix in the face. The other deputies returned fire and killed Doss. The second subject was apprehended.

Officials say Doss had a criminal history in South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia that includes drug offenses, larceny and felony theft.

Deputy Hendrix was transported to a hospital where it was determined he could not survive. He was declared medically deceased so that his organ could be donated.

Deputy Hendrix was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office for eight years. He has two children, a 6-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl. Hendrix was engaged to be married next month.