HOUSTON – A San Jacinto County Pct. 1 deputy constable was killed after a shooting at PlazAmericas Mall in southwest Houston Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities.
Officials from the Houston Police Department and San Jacinto County identified the officer as Deputy Neil Adams. The deputy was at the shopping complex working an extra job at the time of the shooting.
Adams was an officer who worked for the county where he took care of a multitude of environmental issues like spilled sewage and other unsanitary conditions, according to Pct. 1 Constable Roy Rogers. He graduated from the police academy back in 2012.
HPD Chief Troy Finner said the shooting happened around 3:57 p.m. in the 7500 block of Bellaire Boulevard.
According to reports from the scene, Adams and the suspect were involved in an altercation before the suspect gained control of Adams’ gun.
The suspect shot Adams and then ran to the food court.
Two other officers, Officer T. Salameh and Officer M. Nasser, located the suspect inside the building and noticed he had a sharp weapon in his hand. The suspect began to charge at the two officers, prompting them to open fire.
The suspect was shot and later pronounced dead. Finner described the suspect as a 35-year-old African American man and said more details will be released on him at a later time.
Officer T. Salameh and Officer M. Nasser were placed on administrative duties.
Finner said the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is investigating and HPD will lead their efforts.
HPD commanders and PIO are en route to an officer-involved shooting at a business at 7500 Bellaire Boulevard.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) February 23, 2022
Further updates will be provided here.
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Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on the shooting of San Jacinto County deputy on Thursday.
“Our hearts are with the family of Deputy Constable Neil Adams who passed away yesterday evening in Houston while working an off-duty security job at a local mall,” said Governor Abbott. “We are grateful for the dedication of our law enforcement officers who are committed to keeping us safe, whether on or off duty, and their immeasurable sacrifices are not lost on us. The State of Texas has offered assistance and support to the City of Houston as they investigate the shooting. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in praying for Deputy Adams’ family and the Precinct 1 Constable’s office during this difficult time.”