An off-duty Harris County deputy in Texas shot and killed a man who allegedly tried to enter his car while the child was in the car seat. The incident took place on Friday at 2:45 p.m. in Atascocita, approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Houston. The deputy called 911, claiming he had someone at gunpoint. The man, later identified as Darrius Williams, 27, was found dead at the hospital. The deputy and his child are reported to be unharmed.
According to Maj. Ben Katrib, the deputy had just placed his child in a car seat when the unknown man allegedly attempted to get into the car. The deputy was heard giving multiple verbal commands to Williams, but he ignored the warnings and opened the passenger door of the deputy’s car. The deputy then opened fire, hitting Williams multiple times. First responders provided aid, but Williams was later pronounced dead at the hospital, FOX 26 Houston reported.
Officials stated that it is unclear if Williams had any weapons at the time of the alleged intrusion or how many times he was shot. Williams’ mother, Tieneeshia, revealed that her son was released from jail the previous night and was struggling with mental health issues. She mentioned that the officer called her when she was at the scene and asked her many questions, but she advised, ‘Ma’am, why don’t you just take him to the psychiatric ward. He’s walking into traffic.’ The officer responded, ‘Oh no, we’re going to deal with this warrant, he’s going to jail.’ She added that he had a warrant for failure to appear from the last episode.
Sources told FOX 26 that Ring camera footage may have captured the incident. The sheriff’s office and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office have opened separate investigations into the incident. When the investigation concludes, the DA’s office will present the findings to a grand jury to determine whether charges will be filed.