U.S. Marshal John Perry Dies From Gunshot Wounds Sustained After Ambush Attack By St. Louis Fugitive; Attorney General Issues Statement; Perry Is Second Marshal Slain Since Feb. 16

UPDATED 2:58 P.M. ET (U.S.A.) Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry, who was critically wounded early yesterday in an ambush in Missouri in which another marshal and a St. Louis police officer were wounded, has died, the U.S. Marshals Service announced.

Perry, 48, died at 7 p.m. yesterday at Saint Louis University Hospital. He had been a marshal for 10 years.

Carlos Boles, a fugitive wanted for assaulting a police officer and drug possession, was killed in the exchange of gunfire.

Deputy Marshal Theodore Abegg, 31, suffered a bullet wound to the leg. Abegg has been with the marshals service for three years.

The St. Louis police officer, whom authorities did not identify, suffered a wound when a bullet struck his face. He was treated and released from a hospital.

Abegg remains hospitalized.

“Our people and our partners are well trained and prepared, but it is impossible to predict when a wanted individual will make a fateful choice that results in the loss of life or injury,” said Stacia A. Hylton, director of the U.S. Marshals Service.

“When that happens, and the life lost is a law-enforcement officer or other public servant, it is an immeasurable tragedy felt by all,” Hylton said. “Today, unfortunately, we again feel that pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen deputy as well as the injured and their families.”

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder issued a special statement on the death of Perry.

“Yesterday’s tragic shootings in St. Louis are yet another solemn reminder of the dangers that United States Marshals confront on a daily basis,” Holder said. “These brave men and women routinely put their lives on the line in their work to combat crime and gun violence, to apprehend dangerous criminals, and to help bring fugitives to justice. Yesterday’s actions by two Deputy U.S. Marshals and local police officers in St. Louis reflect the dedication and courage that defines America’s law-enforcement community.

“Less than a month after Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller was killed in the line of duty in Elkins, West Virginia, our thoughts and prayers now are with the families of Deputy U.S. Marshal John Perry, who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as with Deputy U.S. Marshal Theodore Abegg and the St. Louis police officer who were injured yesterday,” Holder said. “Their service, their courage, and their willingness to risk their own lives to protect the safety of others will not be forgotten. As we mourn this devastating loss, we also reaffirm that the Justice Department’s commitment to supporting our law-enforcement partners — and to ensuring officer safety — will continue to be a top priority.”