Harris Co. Deputy Fatally Shoots Suspect During Struggle

Updated: Friday, 09 Apr 2010, 12:28 PM CDT

Published : Friday, 09 Apr 2010, 7:18 AM CDT

HOUSTON - Officials say a deputy fatally shot a suspect overnight after the man managed to wrestle away the officer's stun gun.

The incident was first reported as an assault at a sports bar off FM 1960 just after midnight Thursday. A deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Office gathered information at the bar that led him to a home in the 3800 block of Beckett Ridge Drive.

After knocking on the door several times, the suspect opened the door armed with a rifle, according to investigators. The deputy convinced the suspect to put down his weapon, but a struggled ensued.

The sheriff' office says the deputy pulled out his stun gun during the struggle, and the suspect was able to wrestle the stun gun away from the deputy. Fearing for his life, the deputy opened fire on the suspect, and the man was later pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the shooting deputy, the suspect was continually giving "attack" commands to a large pit bull during the fight.

The deputy was not injured. He is a 19-year-veteran with the department.