Deputy constable shot and killed; reward for gunman increased to $65,000

BAYTOWN, Texas – The reward has been increased to $65,000 for information about the death of Harris County Precinct 3 Assistant Chief Deputy Constable Clint Greenwood, 57, who was killed Monday morning after a shooting near the Harris County government building in Baytown, Baytown police said.

Officials said at 7 a.m. police were called to the 700 block of West Baker Road, where the 30-year veteran had been shot at least once on his way to work. 

Greenwood was taken to Memorial Hermann where he was pronounced dead, officials said. 

The motive of the shooting is currently unknown.

Police have released surveillance video of the suspect vehicle.

READ: Clint Greenwood: A lifetime of fighting crime

Numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are assisting in the investigation to find the shooter. 

Several businesses and nearby Sterling High School were put on lock-down for hours.

"They're doing their job. That's the one thing you need to remember the police officers are doing very good. They're doing very well. They always do well and as you can see they're protecting the school," Sterling High School Sophomore James Hinna said.

VIDEO: Body of slain Assistant Chief Deputy Greenwood escorted from Memorial Hermann

The chaotic morning unfolded as employees tried to get to work and as students tried to get to class. 

"You don't know if he's out here among everybody else, we don't know who he is or if it's a he or a if it's a she," Debbie Frank said.

RAW VIDEO: Officials update on slain Pct. 3 Assistant Chief Deputy

Greenwood was once a major with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said they don't know why he was attacked, but they plan to find out.

"It's very early on in the investigation. What I can tell you is that we have the full force of the Baytown Police Department working the case along with members of the HCSO, the Texas Rangers, the Precinct 3 Constables Department and the Gulf Coast Violent Defenders Task Force," Lt. Steve Dorris with Baytown Police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Baytown Police Department or Baytown Crime Stoppers. A reward of up to $65,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest. 

Family recalls moments after shooting death of deputy constable

Many neighbors and businesses said they didn't hear anything, but one family who lives less than a quarter mile from the shooting did.

"I was cooking breakfast this morning somewhere between 6:45 a.m. and 7 a.m. and my daughter ran out of the restroom and said, 'Mom did you hear the gunshots?'” Cyndi Frazier said, who lives about a quarter mile from where the shooting happened. 

RAW VIDEO: Suspect vehicle in murder of Assistant Chief Deputy Clinton Greenwood

"I said, 'No,' and she said, 'Well I think it was gunshots it sounded like it was like two and went 'boom boom,' and then she heard two more she heard 'boom boom' again.

Frazier said she didn't hear anything. When they were on the way to school, police officers were not letting anyone into Sterling High School because it was on lock down.

"I said, this has to be something to do with what she heard this morning, so we still didn't know until we got back home and we started getting updates on the news and it was gunshots," explained Frazier.

"I didn't hear anything or see anything," explained Stella Vidrine whose home backs up to East Fork Goose Creek. From there, one can see the parking lot where it appears the deputy was shot and killed.

"I was taking my kids out to the bus like every day and there was a bunch of cops and the next thing I knew cop coming toward me asking me if those were my kids and I said yes," said Vidrine. "He said, 'Can you get them inside because we're on lockdown, we're shutting everything down because there's an active shooting in the area."

Vidrine said investigators took her security video, she's not sure if it will help in finding the suspect.

Her street, Allenbrook Dr. is parallel to where the shooting happened.

Click here for a link to the GoFundMe account for the family.

Officials release statements

"We're going to do everything we can to make sure that we track down whoever was responsible for this. We're going to stand united in this and we appreciate all of the collaboration that we've seen this morning, the show of support from the community and the law enforcement community for having lost a fellow law enforcement officer this morning," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

"I am sickened and profoundly saddened by the brutal killing of Deputy Greenwood this morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, of course, and to all the men and women who surround us and protect us from similar acts of lawlessness and brutality," Harris County Judge Emmett said.

“The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the family of Deputy Constable Clint Greenwood, who has died from a gunshot wound in Harris County. My office stands ready to assist in any way possible. This is a reminder to pray for and support all law enforcement officials in our state, especially at this time of grief,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said.

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of Assistant Chief Deputy Greenwood and the Harris County law enforcement community in the wake of this heinous murder.

"Texas is taking action to strengthen penalties for those brazen enough to commit crimes against law enforcement, and we will send a message that such vile acts will not be tolerated in the Lone Star State.

"I am confident the perpetrator of this despicable act will be apprehended and that the murderer will be met with swift justice,” Governor Greg Abbott said.

"Jan and I send our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Assistant Chief Deputy Greenwood, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, during this very difficult time.

"Violence against our law enforcement officers must stop. Protecting our men and women in uniform continues to be a top priority for me and I will do whatever it takes to bring this latest assassin to justice," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. 

“We knew him as a lawyer, law-enforcement officer and colleague respected in every role,” District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “Our prayers are with his family.”  The Baytown Police Department is leading the investigation of his death. 

“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of Assistant Chief Clint Greenwood who passed away from his injuries this morning. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to all those who put on the uniform every day and risk their lives to ensure the safety of our communities, and Deputy Greenwood gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"I pray that God will provide comfort and peace to Deputy Greenwood’s family and the law enforcement community as they grieve his loss. You do not stand alone in your grief. Baytown grieves with you," Baytown Mayor Stephen DonCarlos said.

“Thousands of men and women faithfully wear the badge of a Texas peace officer day in and day out in Houston and Harris County,” stated Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “They answer a high call to service for their fellow man. That was the call that Assistant Chief Clint Greenwood answered over decades of service. His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten and will not go unanswered.”

100 Club provides assistance to Greenwood's family

"A $20,000 check will be given to Chief Greenwood’s wife to help with any immediate financial needs.  Additional financial support for the family will be made after an assessment of their needs is conducted. The average gift from the 100 Club to a dependent family is approximately $300,000."

Donations can be made online at the100club.org

or sent to

100 Club Survivors Fund, 5555 San Felipe Street Suite 1750, Houston Texas, 77056

Memorials for Greenwood

A flag and a cross sit in Deputy Greenwood's parking spot on a peaceful day much different from what police say happened Monday.

"It's surreal. Clint was the first one here every morning, usually bringing breakfast," Chief Clerk Pct 3. Constables Office Jill Harrison said.

On Tuesday Harrison created a memorial in Greenwood's parking spot while the county courthouse has reopened.

"We have a job to do and we would not be doing right by Clint if we didn't get in there and do our jobs," Harrison said.

Employees and community members mourn the loss of Greenwood.

"They're just out here protecting us and doing their jobs and it's pretty tragic," community member Shane Morgan said.

The city of Baytown is having a vigil at the courthouse at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The memorial marks the same place investigators say someone gunned down Greenwood Monday morning. The killer is still on the run, but investigators believe that person is seen in surveillance footage.

Investigators say the footage shows a dark-colored car, likely a small SUV speeding away.

Police are also looking for a white or Hispanic man, 6 to 6 foot 3 inches, with short hair and a medium to stocky build. He may have been wearing a dark jacket with a patch on a sleeve.