Tom Perumean/ Houston Public Media
The person suspected of killing a Brazoria County sheriff’s deputy on Wednesday was later shot and killed by authorities, in line with the Houston Police Division.
Police had been looking for 56-year-old Robert Davis III, also referred to as Sean Christopher Davis, for hours Wednesday. Davis was accused of taking pictures and killing Jesus Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Workplace, earlier within the day within the 9300 block of Stella Hyperlink Street.
Vargas was pronounced lifeless at Ben Taub Hospital after being shot whereas serving a warrant in southwest Houston. Vargas was working with the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Process Drive, Cameron Welch, a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshal’s Workplace confirmed.
“At present is an terrible and tragic day,” Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman mentioned throughout a day information convention.
Vargas was described by the sheriff’s workplace and legislation enforcement officers as a father in addition to a devoted public servant recognized for his integrity, compassion and dedication to the neighborhood.
“He was greater than a staff member — he was a good friend, mentor, and inspiration to everybody who knew him,” the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned. “His professionalism and type nature left a long-lasting affect on our workplace and the residents he served.”
Sarah Grunau/ Houston Public Media
A blue alert despatched at 2:24 p.m. Wednesday recognized Davis because the suspected shooter. He was seen earlier Wednesday sporting a blue Nike hoodie and denims, in line with the alert.
The Texas Division of Public Security develops and points blue alerts throughout the state when an individual concerned within the damage of a legislation enforcement officer is just not instantly situated.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, in a put up on X, mentioned he spoke with Stallman and supplied “the total assist of Texas to seek out this heinous legal.”
Gabrielle Dawkins/Houston Public Media
A manhunt for Davis was initiated Wednesday afternoon close to the 9300 block of Stella Hyperlink Street. Helicopters deployed by the Texas Division of Public Security had been circling overhead of the scene.
Officers from a number of native and state legislation enforcement companies blocked a fringe surrounding the parking zone the place Vargas was shot.
Officers in marked and unmarked police autos continued to patrol close by residential streets hours after the incident.
“Should you see one thing, please say one thing,” Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz mentioned within the afternoon. “We’ll make sure that this individual is delivered to justice.”
WANTED IN THIS SHOOTING: Robert Lee Davis AKA Sean Christopher Davis, 56.
He’s a black male, approx. 200 kilos, 5’10” & final seen sporting a blue Nike hoodie with white lettering, blue denims & blue sneakers.
Anybody with info ought to name HPD or @CrimeStopHOU. https://t.co/YS1Vwr2pD8 pic.twitter.com/t6cvc1PP2t
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) January 15, 2025
Reached by cellphone, a spokesperson for The Emery/ Weiner Faculty situated close to the scene of the taking pictures confirmed to Houston Public Media that the varsity was on a lockdown Wednesday afternoon. She mentioned the personal faculty was speaking with households concerning the state of affairs.
Close by Houston ISD campuses, together with Shearn Elementary, had been releasing college students round 3 p.m. Wednesday after putting colleges in safe mode earlier within the day as a precaution.
In an announcement, Harris County District Lawyer Sean Teare mentioned those that goal or hurt members of legislation enforcement shall be discovered and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the legislation.
“Deputy Vargas made the last word sacrifice to guard our neighborhood,” Teare mentioned. “We’re working intently with legislation enforcement on this investigation.”
Earlier prices
Davis had a prolonged rap sheet, in line with Harris County District Clerk data.
He was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault on Dec. 16. He confronted prices together with driving with a suspended license and property trespassing.
In accordance with possible trigger affidavits obtained by Houston Public Media, an individual recognized as Davis’ 17-year-old cousin informed police she was sexually assaulted and given alcohol by Davis throughout an incident in April final yr.
Warrants had been issued for his arrest on the 2 felony prices in December.
Davis was shot and killed behind a row of companies near the place Vargas was shot, in line with the Houston Police Division.
This can be a growing story.
