Holly MatkinHouston, TX – San Jacinto Precinct 1 Deputy Constable Neil Adams was murdered while working a second job at a mall on Wednesday evening, according to police.
The incident happened at the PlazAmericas Mall, formerly known as the Sharpstown Mall, in the 7500 block of Bellaire Boulevard shortly before 4 p.m. on Feb. 23, according to KRIV.
Deputy Constable Adams was working a second job at the mall when he got into a confrontation and altercation with a 35-year-old male suspect, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said during a press conference Wednesday night, according to KTRK.
The suspect was able to gain control of the deputy constable’s firearm during the ensuing struggle and used it to fatally shoot him, Chief Finner said.
The suspect then took off to the food court area, where he was intercepted by Houston police officers, KTRK reported.
Police said the suspect was armed with a sharp-edged weapon and charged towards them, at which point two officers opened fire.
The wounded suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, KTRK reported.
His identity was not released Wednesday night.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal confrontation, according to KHOU.
The two Houston police officers who shot the suspect have been placed on administrative duty, as per protocol.
Deputy Constable Adams served with the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Office prior to joining the San Jacinto Precinct 1 Constable’s Office and devoted 10 years of his life to his law enforcement career, KTRK reported.
He was also serving as San Jacinto County’s environmental officer at the time of his murder.
“He’s a hero,” Chief Finner said. “He’s a hero and we want to honor him.”
Deputy Constable Adams’ wife, San Jacinto County Treasurer DeeDee Adams, said citizens must do more to support the nation’s law enforcement officers.
“My husband always said you can either be a sheep or a sheepdog and I want everybody to pray for all the sheepdogs out there that are protecting everybody,” she told KTRK. “They get a bad rap and they just want to protect. That’s what they want to do in their heart. Everybody’s turned their back on them and everybody should pray for all of them because they’re here for you.”
San Jacinto County Precinct 1 Constable Roy Rogers said Deputy Constable Adams was devoted to his family and his community, KHOU reported.
“We lost one of our heroes,” Constable Rogers said during the press conference Wednesday night. “He was a good man. He worked hard. He took care of his family. He took care of the constituents of his county. Please pray for Deputy Constable (Neil) Adam’s family.”
Escort of Fallen San Jacinto County Constable Deputy Neil Adams to Medical Examiner’s Office https://t.co/yV6Gc2qyD5
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) February 24, 2022
"My husband always said that you can either be a sheep or sheepdog, and I want everybody to pray for all the sheepdogs out there that are protecting everybody…"
– Dee Dee Adams, wife of fallen San Jacinto County Deputy Constable Neil Adams pic.twitter.com/Ttq06DZlE8
— Houston Police Officers' Union (@HPOUTX) February 24, 2022
Escorting a fallen hero, Deputy Constable Neil Adams. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/6oPxaRmmYm
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) February 24, 2022
On behalf of the Cy-Fair Fire Department, we offer our most sincere condolences to the wife, family, friends and to The San Jacinto Cty Constable PCT. 1 Office for the falling of a brave public servant. Deputy Neil Adams gave the ultimate sacrifice and we honor that sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/IDaLERElsa
— Cy-Fair Fire Department (@cyfairfd) February 24, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of San Jacinto Precinct 1 Deputy Constable Neil Adams, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Deputy Constable Neil Adams, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
