ATASCOCITA, Texas – An investigation is underway after an off-duty deputy constable with Precinct 3 was fatally shot in Atascocita while returning home from picking up food for his family Sunday, authorities said.
Deputies with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the 11900 block of Madera Run Parkway around 6:30 p.m. Deputies said the caller reportedly heard gunshots and said that someone was shot inside of a vehicle.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found a small car crashed into a tree in the median of the roadway. The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle, who was identified as Pct. 3 Deputy Omar Ursin, 37, suffered at least one gunshot wound, investigators said. He was transported to the hospital, where deputies said he was pronounced dead.
According to investigators with HCSO Homicide and Crime Scene units, witnesses observed a dark-colored, newer model four-door sedan with tinted windows driving next to Ursin as they drove eastbound on Madera Run Parkway. The suspect shot into Ursin’s car and struck the victim, deputies said. The suspect’s vehicle then reportedly fled northbound on Olympic National Drive.
Monica Garza and her family live in the neighborhood. She says she and her family are now on high alert.
“I was very sad because this is a very good neighborhood and this happened very close to our home,” she said.
During her Sunday evening walk she says she saw police lights and knew something was wrong.
“Walking on the trails I saw a lot of police men a lot of police cars,” Gaza said.
Investigators said Ursin was returning to his home after picking up food for his family immediately prior to the incident.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office sent an email describing Ursin, saying he had a bright smile and was a 6-year veteran of the department.
“He served as a Toll Road Deputy and a School Resource Officer. Most recently, he was serving as an Environmental Crimes Investigator. We are proud to have known and learned from him,” the email read.
They called the loss devastating.
”Omar, a Channelview native, volunteered with youth outreach programs mentoring foster children before entering into the police academy,” the email went on to read.
“We ask that you pray for Deputy Omar Ursin’s family, friends, and all of us who are devastated by the loss of our brother,” Constable Sherman Eagleton said. “Rest In Peace Deputy Ursin, we’ve got it from here.”
Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to contact the HCSO Homicide Unit at (713) 274-9100 or Crime Stoppers.