On Tuesday May 9th, the Lee County Sheriff's Office attempted to serve a Lee County District Court arrest warrant on Raul Vega Perez, age 64 of Dime Box, Texas.  Perez had been under indictment for the felony offense of sexual assault of a child - enhanced.   District Judge Carson Campbell revoked Perez's bond and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in the Lee County District Court on Tuesday May 9th where it was expected that he would plead guilty to the charged offense.  Trial on the charge had been scheduled to begin on May 16, 2022.  Perez had been out of custody on a $50,000 bond since January 20, 2021.

Deputies were advised that Perez was last seen in the Dime Box area at 11:00 am that morning.  Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate him.  The Lee County Sheriff's office immediately notified the public and surrounding agencies to be on the lookout for Perez.  The public was advised to consider Perez possibly armed and dangerous.  That evening, the Lee County Sheriff's office received several tips of locations Perez was sighted to include a residence in Dime Box.  Four deputies and one Trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety responded.  Perez was seen in the home.  Officers attempted contact with Perez and entered the residence to arrest him.  Perez retreated and then began firing at officers.  All responding officers were wearing bullet proof protective gear.  Officers returned fire.  One deputy was shot and injured.  Officers were able to remove the injured deputy from the home.  Additional law enforcement personnel were called in to secure the scene.  Texas DPS SWAT team members entered the home and Perez was found deceased. 

The injured deputy was star-flighted to an area hospital where he is reported as being in critical but stable condition.

Texas Ranger Brent Barina is investigating the incident because it involved an officer involved shooting.  An autopsy has been ordered on Perez.

A special fund has been set up for those wanting to make donations for the injured deputy to the "Lee County Wounded Deputy Fund" at the First National Bank in Giddings.  Donations can also be made through the Lee County Law Enforcement Support Organization.

All of us with Lee County wish to thank all law enforcement and first responders for their service, bravery, and courage.  We extend gratitude for the injured deputy and his sacrifice for the protection of the community.  We pray for his speedy recovery. We would also like to thank the citizens of Lee County for the support, prayers, and assistance provided to your first responders.