Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Samuel Hicks, assigned to the Pittsburgh FBI Office, was shot and killed Wednesday while serving a federal search warrant on a suspected drug distribution ring.

One suspect is in custody, the FBI said in a statement.

Hicks, 33, joined the FBI in March 2007. The University of Pittsburgh graduate formally served as a Baltimore police officer. He leaves wife and three-year-old son.

“This is a real tragedy with the loss of such a talented agent who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country when putting on a badge and accepting the responsibility for protecting our nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Rodriguez. “The FBI family mourns alongside Agent Hicks’ family. We ask that the media and the public respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller echoed.

“The loss of Sam Hicks is a tragedy,” said Mueller. “Our hearts and prayers go out to Sam’s family and the members of the Pittsburgh Field Office.”

John Guilfoil is the editor-in-chief of Blast: Boston's Online Magazine. He can be reached at guilfoil.j@blastmagazine.com.