HOUSTON – The Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office said early Sunday that one of its own was shot and killed during a traffic stop.
Cpl. Charles Galloway, a 12-year veteran with Precinct 5, was conducting a traffic stop in the 9100 block of Beechnut Street at around 12:45 a.m.
During the stop, a man got out of a white Toyota Avalon and immediately fired at Galloway multiple times, then drove off, according to Houston Police Chief Troy Finner.
Galloway died at the scene.
Witnesses told authorities that the man used an assault-type weapon during the shooting. He remains on the run.
During a news conference outside Memorial Hermann at Texas Medical Center, Constable Ted Heap said Galloway leaves behind a daughter and a sister.
“What we are seeing on a regular basis on the streets of Harris County has got to stop,” Constable Heap said. “These are not assaults, these are not attacks, these are brutal, brutal murders. This needs to stop.”
“I am just heartbroken,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, “All I see is people who are dedicated to community service, dedicated to sacrifice. People have to wonder even more what happens when these officers go out on the street and leave their families behind.”
HPD is leading the investigation and is working with Heap, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and several other agencies with a goal to bring justice to the fallen deputy.
“It’s senseless. It makes no sense whatsoever,” Finner said. “To the suspect that shot the deputy, the best thing you can do is to turn yourself in, peacefully.”
The investigation is ongoing.
MORE COVERAGE ON Click2houston.com:
Harris County Precinct 5 Deputy Charles Galloway: This is what we know so far about fallen deputy
In Mourning Constable Ted Heap and our entire Precinct 5 family mourn the loss of Corporal Charles Galloway, who was...
Posted by Ted Heap, Harris County Constable Precinct 5 on Sunday, January 23, 2022
A Precinct 5 deputy has been shot and killed during an apparent traffic stop this morning in Southwest Houston. Precinct 5 deputies are on the scene and HPD will be handling the investigation. Prayers for the deputy's family and his brothers and sisters in blue. #hounews pic.twitter.com/MxvdlSXKJH
— Harris County Pct 5 (@HCpct5) January 23, 2022
Follow KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun on Facebook and Twitter for the latest from the scene.
BREAKING: A Precinct 5 deputy shot and killed. Authorities say the deputy was killed during a possible traffic stop in Southwest Houston. HPD investigating. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/ZP8P7GOE7u
— Rilwan Balogun (@KPRC2Rilwan) January 23, 2022
The body of Corporal Charles Galloway escorted out. The Precinct 5 deputy was with the department for 12 years known as a mentor @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/5iguDlNEiN
— Rilwan Balogun (@KPRC2Rilwan) January 23, 2022