Person of interest in stabbing of woman in northwest Houston sought

HOUSTON – Officials are searching for a person of interest involved in a stabbing of a woman Saturday morning in northwest Houston. 

Harris County deputies are looking for 37-year-old Paul Reyes, a person of interest in an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon incident. 

What happened?

The woman was stabbed several times at a home in the 7500 block of Stone Pine Lane near Blazey Drive around 4 a.m. Saturday. The woman was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive. A man who lives at the home told deputies the woman who was stabbed does not live there.

Deputy dies at stabbing scene

A Harris County sheriff’s deputy has died after experiencing a medical emergency while securing the scene.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a tweet Saturday that the deputy was responding to the stabbing in northwest Houston.

While responding to that stabbing, Gonzalez said the deputy - who has since been identified as 39-year-old Omar Diaz - suffered an unknown medical crisis.

Authorities said Diaz collapsed while outside the property, so he was rushed to North Cypress Medical Center. Doctors were unable to revive him and he died, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez asked people to keep Diaz and his family in their prayers.

"Deputy Diaz served his community with honor and distinction," said Gonzalez. "The entire Harris County Sheriff's Office family is grieved by the tragic loss of our brother." 

What was the cause of Diaz's death? 

Harris County investigators are awaiting the Harris County medical examiner’s report following Diaz's sudden death on duty.  Diaz's sudden collapse initially prompted a response by the Hazardous Materials Team. Investigators wanted to ensure Diaz wasn't exposed to a dangerous substance around the home. 

Their investigation later revealed there were no air quality issues detected at the home. Gonzalez said Diaz’s family members aren’t aware of any current medical issues Diaz might have had. 

“We will take a closer look at everything and will comfort the family as best we can,” Gonzalez said.

Who is Deputy Omar Diaz?

Diaz had been with the Harris County Sheriff's Office since 2009. His cause of death has not been released. The medical emergency was not related to the stabbing.

The area around the home was taped off as officials investigated the scene. 

Read more about Diaz.