HOUSTON – An off-duty agent of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) was among multiple commissioned peace officers who responded to a shooting at Houston’s Lakewood Church around 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11.
According to a statement issued by the TABC, “Agent Adrian Herrera was working off duty as a security officer at the church when a person opened fire with a long rifle in the lobby of the building. Herrera and another officer responded by engaging the shooter and neutralizing the threat.”
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Officials from TABC’s Law Enforcement Department and the agency’s Office of Inspector General are working with local and state investigators to determine what led to the shooting. Per agency policy, Herrera has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal TABC investigation into the shooting. He has been employed by TABC for approximately five years.
“While we are still gathering the facts on what took place at Lakewood Church, I can say that I’m extremely proud of the quick response of our agent as well as the other law enforcement agents on the scene,” TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly said. “These officers likely prevented a much greater tragedy through their brave actions.”
“TABC agents are trained to respond to situations such as this as part of their duties,” TABC Executive Director Thomas Graham said. ‘As Texas peace officers, each of our agents are committed to protecting lives and keeping the people of Texas safe.”
The shooting remains under investigation by TABC, the Houston Police Department, and the Texas Rangers.
What is a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agent?
A TABC Agent is part of the agency’s Law Enforcement Division. They are commissioned peace officers with the same police powers as any other law enforcement officer. Their primary duties involve investigating potential violations of the public safety provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, including investigations into public safety risks such as overservice, sales of alcohol to minors and other illegal activities at TABC-licensed locations. They also take part in long-term investigations into activities such as organized crime, human trafficking and narcotics trafficking at businesses licensed by TABC. TABC employs about 220 peace officers who serve as agents across the state, policing around 60,000 licensed businesses.