HOUSTON — A suspect who was wanted in the shooting death of a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed during a shootout with law enforcement, the Houston Police Department said during a news conference.
The incident began around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 15 in the parking lot of a shopping center. Deputy Jesus Vargas, a member of the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force, was serving a warrant to apprehend a repeat violent offender, police said. As Vargas approached the suspect, identified as Robert Lee Davis III, Davis opened fire, killing Vargas.
An hours-long manhunt ensued. During the search, a U.S. Marshals Service K-9 officer alerted to a dumpster behind the shopping center, according to police. As officers secured the area, the K-9 again signaled the suspect’s presence. Davis emerged from the dumpster and shot the K-9 twice.
U.S. Marshals Service deputies returned fire, fatally shooting Davis, police said.
The K-9 was life-flighted to a veterinarian where he is reported to be stable, the U.S. Marshals Service said.
Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the department, leaves behind a wife and three children.
“He was more than a team member — he was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. His professionalism and kind nature left a lasting impact on our office and the residents he served,” BCSO said in a statement.
