A manhunt is underway in Houston for the gunman who ambushed and killed an on-duty deputy overnight, authorities said.
The incident began just after 10 p.m. Wednesday when Harris County deputies responded to an aggravated assault at a Little Caesars pizza shop, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Lee said at a news conference.
“What happened is senseless,” Lee said early Thursday. “The suspect came into the location to pick up a pizza that he had ordered.”
“He was upset because the order was incorrect,” Lee said.
The suspect allegedly verbally assaulted the employee, “then produced a firearm and pistol-whipped the employee and then fled the location,” Lee said.
A manhunt is underway for the person who shot and killed a 28-year-old deputy, July 10, 2024, in northeast Harris County, Texas.
KTRK
“The employee at Little Caesars was able to identify the getaway car by make and model, color and license plate,” Lee said.
A deputy spotted the suspect’s car, Lee said. The deputy then “had a phone conversation with one of the other detectives to let him know he did have the suspect vehicle in sight,” Lee said.
While on the phone, “our deputy apparently was ambushed” and shot multiple times, Lee said.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Lee, center, speaks to the press following the ambush of the deputy.
KTRK
Other detectives rushed the 28-year-old deputy to the hospital where he died from his injuries, Lee said.
The slain deputy, who has not yet been identified, was a five-year veteran of the department, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
He was a “member of a very elite task force, the violent persons task force,” Lee said.
“None of us are ever prepared for such an untimely death and our members need your prayers and support,” the sheriff wrote on social media. “Our thoughts are with his family as they come to terms with this horrible news. An active investigation is underway to identify and apprehend his killer. We will not rest until we do!”
Lee said that investigators “have a good idea who the suspect is,” adding that the department expects to find him in “a timely manner.”
Lee noted the slaying comes as “everybody’s on edge” in the Houston area, with more than 1 million still without power in the state in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, which struck on Monday.
Officials in a small town are on high alert after reports surfaced of a gunman on the loose following a deadly ambush on a deputy. The incident began with a seemingly trivial dispute over a wrong pizza order, but quickly escalated into a tragic and violent confrontation.
According to authorities, the gunman first targeted a pizza worker at a local restaurant after becoming enraged over a mistake in his order. The worker was physically assaulted before managing to escape and call for help. In a shocking turn of events, the gunman then set his sights on law enforcement officers who responded to the scene.
As the deputy arrived at the restaurant to investigate the assault, he was ambushed by the gunman and fatally shot. The suspect fled the scene before additional backup could arrive, leaving a community in shock and mourning the loss of a dedicated officer.
Officials have launched a manhunt to track down the gunman, who is considered armed and dangerous. Residents are being urged to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. The safety of the community is of paramount importance as authorities work tirelessly to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.
The tragic events that unfolded serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. The deputy who lost his life in the line of duty will be remembered for his bravery and dedication to serving and protecting his community.
As the investigation into the incident continues, officials are urging anyone with information about the gunman’s whereabouts to come forward. The cooperation of the public will be crucial in bringing this dangerous individual to justice and preventing any further harm to innocent civilians.
In the wake of this senseless act of violence, the community is coming together to support one another and honor the memory of the fallen deputy. The impact of this tragedy will be felt for years to come, but the resilience and strength of the community will prevail as they stand united against such senseless acts of violence.
