Holly MatkinHouston, TX – A San Jacinto Precinct 1 deputy constable was fatally shot while working a second job at a mall in the Sharpstown neighborhood Wednesday evening.
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.
San Jacinto Precinct 1 Deputy Constable Neil 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.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
The men and women of Constable Mark Herman's Office extend their heartfelt condolences to the San Jacinto County Precinct 1 Constable's Office as one of their own was shot and killed today.
Our prayers are with the deputy’s family, friends and members. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/kBUujK4UN7
— Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 (@Pct4Constable) February 24, 2022
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.”
"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
Family of slain San Jacinto County Deputy seen leaving Memorial Hermann. Deputy Neil Adams was shot & killed at PlazAmericas Mall in SouthWest Houston this evening. HPD officers shot and killed Suspect. We’ll have an update at 9:30pm on @FOX26Houston pic.twitter.com/m9Rqn73yg5
— Gabby Hart (@GabbyHartNews) February 24, 2022
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.”
