Deputy Ambushed By Gunman While Working Security At Apartments

Houston, TX – Police are searching for the gunman who ambushed an off-duty Harris County deputy as he was working a second job as a security guard for an apartment complex.

The attack occurred near The Quinn at Westchase apartment complex in the 11200-block of Olympia on Oct. 8, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said in a Facebook post the following morning.

The deputy, who was working a side job as a security officer for the complex, was making his rounds when he stopped to speak with a man at about 8:40 p.m., KHOU reported.

They spoke briefly before the deputy got back into his unmarked patrol vehicle and started to drive away.

But as he was leaving, a male suspect wearing a hoodie started shooting at him from the outside corner of the building, according to police.

“While driving in the complex, a person shot several rounds from a firearm at the deputy, striking the deputy’s vehicle,” the HCSO said.

The patrol car was hit multiple times, KTRK reported.

The suspect fled the scene before the deputy was able to get a good look at him, according to KHOU.

“Thankfully, the deputy was not harmed,” the HCSO said.

The sheriff’s office asked the community for their help in identifying “the suspect who ambushed” one of its deputies.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales said he believes this was a targeted attack.

“Based on the fact that he was in full uniform and so many shots were fired in his direction and it appeared to be an ambush – not just random gunfire into the air, for example – then I think there’s strong reason to believe that it was a meditated attack or an ambush towards a law enforcement officer,” Sheriff Gonzalez told KTRK.

Sheriff Gonzalez and HCSO Major Tony Huynh said that the shooter was a coward.

“Hard working brothers and sisters in blue, working hard every day, leaving their families behind,” Maj. Huynh said. “And this, our deputy trying to earn extra income for his family and out here protecting the residents at this complex, being ambushed by a coward.”

I’m upset and disappointed by the hateful and cowardly actions of the shooter(s). The attack on our @HCSOTexas deputy was an affront to our agency and will not be tolerated. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but now we need to find those responsible and bring them to justice. https://t.co/LZD7yB5YxU

— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 9, 2020

The Houston Police Department and the HCSO are currently searching for a suspect, KHOU reported.

A reward of up to $5,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman, according to KTRK.

“We will find who did this,” the sheriff’s office told KHOU.

The gunman could face charges ranging from aggravated assault to attempted capital murder of an officer, KHOU reported.