On June 16, 2024, at approximately 12:15 a.m., a Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office deputy was assaulted while waiting for a wrecker on IH 30 near Shenanigans. The deputy was involved in an arrest when an unrelated vehicle approached from behind.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Sam Lewis Barnhill, a 25-year-old white male, exited the car and engaged in a brief interaction with the deputy before assaulting him. The deputy managed to call for assistance, and Barnhill was subsequently arrested for Assault on a Peace Officer and Interference with Official Duties.
The investigation is ongoing, but authorities have stated there appears to be no connection between the initial traffic stop and Barnhill's attack on the deputy.
