Carl F. Court - “Charlie Courts”

On Saturday, November 30, 1895 Deputy Sheriff Carl F. Court was on duty patrolling the Chaneyville Precinct, located on the western side of Houston, Harris County, Texas. Chaneyville or Chaney Junction, as it was sometimes called, was located on the west side of Houston bordering on Washington Avenue and Studemont Street, then north along Center Street.

Deputy Carl F. Court was on duty on Saturday, November 30, 1895 when after attending to some business in Houston he returned to the Chaneyville area around 2100 hrs, that same evening. He began patrolling the Terrapin Lake section of the Chaneyville area and had entered a local ballroom and saloon called Buckner’s Place about 2130 hrs. Deputy Court walked over to the bar to talk with the owner, Mr. James Buckner. While talking to Mr. Buckner a shot rang out that came from outside the bar through a partially broken window. Mr. Buckner said he felt the heat of the bullet as it whizzed by. Deputy Court cried out, “My God, who fired that shot?” Mr. Buckner stated that when Deputy Court uttered these words he wheeled around and ran through the door to the dance room. Mr. Buckner, not realizing that the bullet had hit Deputy Court, thought that he had gone outside to find the person that had fired the shot. Mr. Buckner followed into the adjoining room and found Deputy Court collapsed on the floor and quickly realized he was dying and unable to speak. Medical aid was summoned, but it was too late, Deputy Court lay on the floor mortally wounded and died within minutes from the gunshot wound he had received to the chest and had penetrated his heart.

Acting Coroner, Judge Joseph Devine, was summoned to the scene along with Harris County Sheriff Alexander Erichson and two deputies. Deputy Court’s wife was summoned to the scene along with her children.

According to the Houston Daily Post newspaper dated Sunday, December 1, 1895 a peculiar circumstance occurred a day before his murder and had Deputy Court told it to proper authorities, it may have lead to a clue as to the identity of his assassin.

Mr. W.F. Mills, who was a close friend of the dead officer, told the story to a Post reporter. He stated that Deputy Court had received a threatening letter from an unknown black man who said he would kill him on Saturday night. The story of Mr. Mills went as follows:

“I met Deputy Court on Main Street on Friday, November 29, 1895 and during the course of our conversation, Deputy Court stated that he had just bought a new pistol. Deputy Court told Mr. Mills that his old gun was rusty and he had just bought a new one because he did not want to take any chances with his old one, especially since he had just received a threatening letter from an unknown black man who said he would be out to Chaneyville to kill him on Saturday night. Since Deputy Court did not seem to think to seriously about the threat, I did not press him for more information about the incident. Mr. Mills told the reporter that Deputy Court remarked that he was accustomed to such things in dealing with the desperate characters of this section of town.”

Deputy Court was a fearless officer in the discharge of his duties, yet he possessed those many good traits, which go to make up a character that all fellowmen should admire. Deputy Court had spent a year’s hard work in weeding out the rough and desperate characters from the Chaneyville precinct by forcing them to leave or sending them to the penitentiary. He was raised in Harris County and knew every man, woman, and child and every foot of ground in the precinct. Everyone knew “Charlie Courts” and his friends were legion.

Sheriff Erichson and his deputies later arrested a black male suspect and placed him in the county jail, charging him with “Threatening to take the Life” of Deputy Carl F. Court. According to official Harris County District Court records, a Grand Jury met and a trial was held. A verdict was rendered in the case, but the defendant was found not guilty.

Forty-three-year-old Deputy Carl F. Court was duly appointed as a deputy sheriff for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Alexander Erichson. Deputy Court was the 1st deputy to die in the line of duty with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Arthur Taylor

On Sunday, May 24, 1914 Deputy Arthur Taylor was slain in the performance of his duties as a deputy sheriff for the Harris County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Arthur Taylor was appointed as a Special Deputy under Harris County Sheriff Frank Hammon on Saturday afternoon, May 23, 1914. Sheriff Hammond deputized Arthur Taylor, who was black, for the purpose of going into the black community on the near north side of downtown Houston to try and apprehend a black male suspect who was terrorizing the neighborhood with a rifle. There were also officers from the Houston Police Department assigned to apprehend the same suspect. One of the city officers was Detective Isaac "Ike" Parsons, who was also killed along with Deputy Taylor on this fateful night in May 1914.

Superintendent of Police Ben S. Davidson for the Houston Police Department had given an assignment for officers John Richardson and Edmond Cordona to proceed to the same area that Deputy Taylor was assigned to patrol. Houston Police Detective Isaac "Ike" Parsons, one of the few black officers in the Houston Police Department at that time, was due to work with Officer Richardson on Saturday night in an effort to apprehend this suspect. Detective Parsons, however, had called Night Police Chief Dunham to inform the department that he would not be able to accompany the other officers, but instead had gone into the area alone in an attempt to apprehend the suspect. Officers' Richardson and Cordona, therefore, proceeded to the area without Detective Parsons.

The Houston Police Department officers were not aware that Deputy Taylor had also been assigned to work in the same area to search for the suspect. Officer Richardson and Cordona rode the Liberty Road trolley out of Houston to the area of Nance and Schwartz Streets. They arrived in the area around midnight and began talking to people in the neighborhood about the suspect.

At approximately 12:35 a.m. while they were conducting the investigation they heard gunshots. Officer's Richardson and Cordona were aware that another pair of officers (Bryson and Lyons) were also in the area looking to arrest the same suspect. They immediately feared that these officers might have gotten into trouble so they ran to the area where the gunshots came from. Upon running to the area they heard two more gunshots in rapid succession.

Deputy Taylor and Detective Parsons also heard the gunshots and ran to the same area. This is when tragedy struck.

Officer Richardson saw a black male running toward them in the darkness and he shined his pocket light on him. Officer Richardson noticed this male (Deputy Taylor) had a pistol in his hand. Officer Richardson ordered him to stop and throw down his pistol. When he refused, Officer Richardson began shooting and struck Deputy Taylor two times, killing him instantly. Detective Parsons, who also responded when he heard the gunshots, jumped across a drainage ditch and ran to the scene of the shooting. Officer Richardson had dropped his light, but he and Officer Cordona, seeing another black male (Detective Parsons) approaching them with his arm raised and a pistol in his hand, began to fire their pistols at Parsons striking him four times. Detective Parsons also died at the scene. It was later determined that neither Deputy Taylor nor Detective Parsons fired their weapons.

It was not until officers Richardson and Cordona had an opportunity to take a closer look at the two deceased males that they recognized Detective Parsons as one of the dead officers. They did not recognize Deputy Taylor because of his short tenure as a deputy sheriff.

Harris County Deputy Sheriff Arthur Taylor and Houston Police Detective Isaac "Ike" Parsons lost their lives due to a case of mistaken identity while in the performance of their duties as law enforcement officers for their respective departments.

Thirty-five-year-old Deputy Taylor had been commissioned as a Deputy Sheriff for just a few hours before his tragic death.

William Clinton Harless

William Clinton Harless was born in the Spring, Texas, area in October of 1890. He lived in that area most of his life. Deputy Harless became a Deputy Sheriff under Harris County Sheriff Frank Hammond. He also served as the resident Constable for that area. Deputy Harless was known as the biggest peace officer in the state, standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 350 pounds. He patrolled the Spring area on horseback.

Deputy Harless went to the residence of Levi Jackson, Wednesday night, April 14, 1915, to serve a burglary warrant out of Conroe, Texas on a wanted suspect by the name of Louis Utley. Upon riding up to the Jackson residence on horseback, suspect Utley was sitting on the porch with Levi Jackson. Deputy Harless placed the suspect under arrest for the burglary warrant. The suspect asked Deputy Harless if he could go inside and get his coat. He picked up a rifle and aimed it out of the front window at Deputy Harless who was sitting on his horse. Utley fired the rifle and the bullet struck Deputy Harless in the neck. Deputy Harless fell from his horse. Utley ran out of the back door of the house and fled the scene.

The witnesses quickly attended to Deputy Harless. He was taken to Houston on the I. and G. N. train to a Houston infirmary. The attending physicians examined Deputy Harless and x-rays revealed that the bullet entered his neck on the left side and shattered his vertebrae, lodging on the right side. Deputy Harless was not able to undergo the operation to remove the bullet. The attending physician said there was no chance of recovery.

A posse was organized by Sheriff Frank Hammond to search for the fleeing suspect. Deputy Sheriffs Milam and Robinson, along with Superintendent Hart of the Convict Camp #1 and his bloodhounds searched the Spring Creek bottoms, but the hounds lost the suspect's scent after two hours. Deputy Harless died from his gunshot wound at 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 1915, in the Baptist Sanitarium.

William C. Harless Sheriff Foreman of Polk County arrested Utley on Saturday morning, April 17, 1915, in Livingston, Texas. Suspect Utley later attempted suicide while in the Polk County Jail. Sheriff Hammond of Harris County sent Deputy Ed Stoermer and an unidentified man from Humble to Livingston to identify the Suspect. Utley was identified and returned to Houston by Deputy Stoermer.

A murder charge was filed on Utley for the shooting death of Deputy Harless. The Grand Jury met and returned an indictment against Utley. The trial was set for a later date due to the over-crowded docket for the District Court in Houston.

The trial of suspect Louis Utley was held in the Criminal District Court in Houston, Texas, on Friday, June 4, 1915. Utley Was found guilty of the offense of murder in the shooting death of Deputy Harless. He was executed by legal hanging on February 01, 1916.

William C. "Dub" Williams, Jr.

On Thursday, April 16, 1930, Deputy "Dub" Williams, along with four other Deputies and an informant, made a nighttime raid on a liquor still located in a barn about six miles from Satsuma. Deputy Williams remained outside while the other Deputies and the informant, who was armed with a rifle, entered the barn and secured the suspects. The informant was standing near the barn doorway, which was still half open. The informant began to look around for other suspects when he noticed a figure about ten feet away. He ordered the individual, who, unknown to him, was Deputy Williams, to stop, and instead, Deputy Williams turned on his flashlight and shined it into the informant's face. Frightened, the informant jumped back and fired once. The shot pierced Deputy William's hand and entered his chest, killing him. Deputy "Dub" Williams was 23 years old.

Joseph A. Trapolino

Although Deputy Trapolino had been employed by the Harris County Sheriff's Department for 18 years when he died, his time at the Department had actually begun in childhood. As a youth he would hang around the county jail making calls for the Deputies, who, at that time, rode on horseback.

Joseph Trapolino continued this dedication to the Department through the terms of Sheriffs Archie Anderson and Frank Hammond. Joseph made such an impression on Sheriff Anderson that he appointed him "Special Deputy" and gave him a small badge and gun. Joseph finally fulfilled his dream when Sheriff T.A. Binford appointed him Deputy Sheriff in 1918. On Saturday, May 23, 1936, Deputy Trapolino and Deputy W. Tully entered a residence in an attempt
to serve a "lunacy" warrant. Once inside, the suspect grabbed a shotgun and told the Deputies to leave. Deputy Trapolino, who had a personal code to "bring 'em in alive," tried to persuade the man that they were only going to take him to see a doctor. After the man refused, Deputy Trapolino and his partner turned and began walking down the driveway. As they proceeded, the man once again threatened the Deputies. Deputy Trapolino shouted for his partner to take cover, and as they turned, drawing their weapons, the suspect fired once striking Deputy Trapolino in the back, killing him. Deputy Tully returned fire wounding the suspect who was still able to flee. The suspect was later apprehended and, due to Deputy Trapolino's popularity within the community, had to be protected from a mob of some 2,500 citizens armed with guns and clubs. Deputy Joseph Trapolino was 41 years old.

Theron Eldridge "Eddie" Shofner

At approximately 11:45 P.M., Tuesday, July 13, 1948, Deputy Eddie Shofner, a Bailiff in the Justice Court, was off duty and drove to his wife's job at the Southern Pacific Telegraph Station located just west of the South Main underpass. Roughly two hours earlier, a convict from the Blue Ridge Prison Farm escaped after breaking into the armory and stealing two .38 revolvers, a rifle and ammunition. As the convict made his way toward Houston, he noticed the Shofner's new car parked at the telegraph station and decided to steal it. At approximately 1:20 A.M., Wednesday, July 14, the convict approached the telegraph office. Deputy Shofner and his wife, Novita, were playing rummy while waiting for her to get off work. The convict reached for the screen door, attempted to enter, and according to his statement stated, "Put 'em up; I'm going to get the car." The door was latched and as Deputy Shofner turned and drew his weapon, the convict fired once striking Deputy Shofner in the forehead. The convict fired twice more missing the Deputy and his wife. As the convict fled he ran into Mrs. Shofner's father, who also worked for the telegraph "Eddie" Shofner office. While Mrs. Shofner was on the phone with the Sheriff's Department dispatcher, she watched the convict pistol whip her dad. Mrs. Shofner then took her husband's gun, opened the door and fired several shots at the convict. Deputy Frank Wingo, the night shift dispatcher, immediately dispatched all five Sheriff's Department units on duty that night. He also called out four more units and contacted the Houston Police Department who dispatched five units. In addition, Texas Ranger Captain Hardy Purvis and three other Texas Rangers responded in two vehicles. An ambulance driver traveling along Highway 90 heard the shooting and responded. The driver loaded Deputy Shofner and took him to Hermann Hospital. A responding Sheriff's unit observed the convict flee across the highway and enter a prairie. The convict fired several shots at the Deputies, who returned the fire. The Deputies began chasing the convict until their car became stuck in the mud. The Deputies then exited their unit and began chasing the convict on foot. The convict dropped down in tall grass and began to crawl. Losing sight of the convict, the Deputies directed the additional units to form a perimeter around the field. Two HPD Homicide Detectives, while easing along Anderson Road, heard groans coming from a bushy area along the roadway. The two Detectives captured the convict and turned him over to Sheriff's Deputies. Physicians fought to save Deputy Shofner's life at Hermann Hospital to no avail. Deputy Shofner died at 7:10 A.M., Wednesday morning; he was 31 years old.

Leo Busby

On Thursday, September 10, 1953, two Deputies, Leo Busby and Alvin Baker, were working as partners, while enroute to Houston after delivering a prisoner to Rusk State Hospital. As they traveled south on Highway 69, a soft drink delivery truck pulled across the roadway in front of their vehicle. Deputy Baker lost control of the car and entered a ditch, causing the vehicle to roll. Deputy Busby was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly. Deputy Busby was a popular member of the Department who enjoyed working with juveniles; he was 42 years old. Deputy Leo Busby and Deputy Alvin Baker made history on November 16, 1950, when they became the first black Deputies hired by the Harris County Sheriff's Department.

Donald Eugene Knowlton

On Monday, August 22, 1960, at approximately 9:00 P.M., Deputy Knowlton, an ordained Methodist minister, with Reserve Deputy Earl O'Reilly riding with him, responded to an assist the officer call from two Deputies on the scene of a weapons disturbance. An 83 year-old man, despondent over thefts from his garden, had begun randomly shooting at homes in the 4000 block of Darwin using a 12-gauge shotgun. Upon Deputy Knowlton's arrival, he met with the other Deputies who had been unable to locate the suspect. A short time later Deputy Knowlton discovered footprints near the suspect's house, which led to an outhouse located just past the garden. As the Deputies approached with flashlights, the suspect fired once striking Deputy Knowlton in the throat and chest. As he fell, Deputy Knowlton returned fire striking the suspect just above the left eye. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Deputy Knowlton died of his injuries; he was 31 years old.

Walter Howard Harvey

On Friday, November 2, 1962, Deputy Walter Harvey, while enroute to Las Vegas, Nevada to pick up a prisoner, lost control of his vehicle causing the car to overturn. The accident occurred on Highway 60, just one mile west of Springfield, Arizona. Deputy Harvey suffered extensive back injuries and died on November 5, 1962. Deputy Harvey was 50 years old.

Fred Barkow Peebles

On Thursday, September 23, 1965, Deputy Peebles, assigned to the Motorcycle Division, was off duty escorting a funeral to supplement his $460 a month salary. As he was stationary in the center lane of the 6200 block of the Eastex Freeway, a vehicle attempting to pass the procession at a high rate of speed struck him. The 18 year-old driving the vehicle fled on foot, but was later captured by an off duty police officer and several citizens. Deputy Peebles died as a result of massive head and internal injuries. Deputy Peebles was 30 years old.

Edd Williams

On Saturday, January 12, 1974, Deputy Edd Williams was working off duty security at an apartment complex located in the 800 block of Victoria. On Saturdays the manager collected rent and Deputy Williams would stand by in the office. Deputy Williams was in plain clothes wearing a suit. Shortly before noon two men entered the office and asked to see an apartment. One of the men pulled a gun and placed it against the manager's head. The manager's apartment adjoined the office. The second man gathered the manager's children, placed them into a bedroom and closed the door. He then ordered the manager's wife into another bedroom and forced her to kneel down and place her head on the bed. By this time, the second suspect had also pulled a gun and both suspects frantically pulled ski masks over their faces. The first gunman had taken the rent money from the manager's desk and had also taken the manager's wallet. He also ordered Deputy Williams to give up his wallet. He then ordered the manager and Deputy Williams into the bedroom. The manager was placed on the same side of the bed as his wife and Deputy Williams went to the other side of the bed. Both men were ordered to kneel by the bed and place their heads on the bed. Deputy Williams knelt beside the bed keeping his hands raised. While holding a gun on him, suspect number two approached Deputy Williams and began searching him. As he pulled back the right side of Deputy Williams' coat, he noticed the Deputy's badge attached to his shirt pocket. When the suspect observed the badge, Deputy Williams lunged upward and attempted to grab the suspect's weapon. The suspect stepped back and fired once striking Deputy Williams in the chin. Deputy Williams fell to the floor and remained there until the suspects left. After the suspects left, Deputy Williams stood and walked to the bathroom for a moment, then exited the apartment office and began to wander in the parking lot. The manager retrieved a gun, contacted HPD and went outside after Deputy Williams. The manager loaded Deputy Williams into a taxi, which was in the parking lot, and ordered the driver to take the wounded-Edd Williams Deputy to Parkway Hospital. Deputy Williams walked into the hospital on his own and advised the ER nurse that he had been shot in a robbery. Deputy Williams was immediately taken into surgery. Despite efforts to save his life, he died approximately forty minutes later. Apparently the bullet, after striking Deputy William's chin, had traveled upward and lodged in his brain. Deputy Edd Williams was 35 years old and had been with the Sheriff's Department for seven months. This case remains unsolved.

Rodney Scott Morgan

On Tuesday, February 26, 1974, just after midnight, Detective "Scotty" Morgan and his partner, a Houston Police Department narcotics officer, entered a bar in the 4500 block of Telephone Road. The two were working a narcotics case and were checking the location for individuals involved in the investigation. Both officers were acting in an undercover capacity. The manager of the club recognized Detective Morgan from a previous incident. Detective Morgan told the manager that he had gotten out of law enforcement and was now a "biker". After this conversation, Scotty left his partner and went to the rest room. After several minutes had passed, his partner went to the men's room to check on him. As he approached, he noticed two outlaw bikers standing outside the rest room door and was advised by them that the rest room was full. His partner forced his way into the rest room where he found two more outlaw bikers assaulting Detective Morgan. One had a knife to Scotty's stomach and the other was cutting his throat with a knife. The HPD officer fired a shot, not hitting anyone, and both suspects were taken under control. A short time later, a two man HPD patrol unit entered the bar responding to a shots fired disturbance. After being directed to the rest room, the lead HPD officer attempted to open the door. Scotty and his partner, believing that other outlaw bikers were entering the rest room, pushed the door closed. The HPD uniformed officer forced the door yelling "Police" and at the same time Detective Morgan turned toward the door also yelling "Police." Due to the small size of the rest room, the HPD uniformed officer and Scotty were almost face-to-face when the uniformed officer stepped in. Thinking he was about to be shot, and not hearing Detective Morgan's shout, the uniformed officer jumped back and fired once striking Detective Morgan in the chest, killing him instantly. The two men who were assaulting Detective Morgan were arrested and charged with Attempted Murder. Detective Scotty Morgan was 27 years old.

Jimmie Howard McKay

On Friday, March 22, 1974, Deputy Jimmie McKay, a Process Server in the Courts Division, was working an extra job at a Houston Apartment Complex. The apartments were new and still under construction. Deputy McKay was hired to provide security for the construction site. Apparently, Mrs. Rose McKay was riding with her husband in order to spend more time with him. Deputy McKay observed a suspicious vehicle driving through the complex and decided to stop and check it. Deputy McKay's personal vehicle was equipped with emergency grill lights and a Sheriffs Department radio. He stopped the vehicle in the 2000 block of Hayes Road. Around 11:00 p.m., two motorists found Deputy McKay on the side of the road shot once in the head. His wife was found lying in the front seat of their car shot to death, clutching the Sheriff's radio microphone in her hand. Deputy McKay and his wife were both 43 years old. In 1997, detectives with the Homicide Division received information from a Harris County Deputy Sheriff about this event. The deputy had read a story in a police newspaper about murders of law enforcement officers in Harris County when he was sixteen years old. After he read the story he recalled having a conversation with someone several years ago that had bragged about murdering a deputy and his wife. At the time, he didn't believe the story. Now he realized there may have been something to it. He was able to recall the name of the person he talked to. This information led to other individuals who gave specific information regarding the murders. After nearly twenty-six years with this case remaining unsolved, two suspects have finally been charged with the murders. This investigation has culminated with the charge and convictions of Seymore Ashinsky and Michael Menslage, aka Michael Collins. Menslage was living in Seattle, Washington until he was arrested by the HCSO Cold Case Squad and transported back to Houston. On January 31, 2001, Menslage pled guilty to the charge of Murder and was sentenced to twenty five (25) years at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Ashinsky pled guilty to the murders on June 19, 2000 and was sentenced to forty (40) years. The investigation revealed what Deputy McKay and his wife Rose could not have possibly known Jimmie McKay on that fateful night. Deputy McKay had stumbled upon suspects that were transporting a large quantity of marijuana. When Deputy McKay stopped the suspects they had made an instant decision that they were not going to be taken to jail.

James Alex Wier

On Friday, August 18, 1978, at approximately 11:30 P.M., Reserve Deputy James Alex Wier was riding second man in a Patrol unit. The unit became involved in a pursuit of burglary suspects originated by the Houston Police Department. As the pursuit continued east on F. M. 1960, the HPD unit motioned for Deputy Wier's unit to pass him and take over the position of primary unit. As they approached the city of Humble, the Humble Police Department was notified of the impending pursuit and provided assistance. The suspect vehicle, crossing U.S. 59 and F. M. 1960, was darting in and out of traffic and also driving down the center of the roadway in excess of 115 m.p.h. At this point, the Deputies were approximately five car lengths behind the suspect. An Humble Police unit, stationary at the intersection of Lakeshire Drive and F. M. 1960, observed the suspect vehicle pass another car. As the Humble unit pulled out to join the pursuit, he noticed the Sheriff's Department unit approaching. The Humble unit made a frantic effort to exit the roadway to the left; however, the Sheriff's vehicle clipped the right rear bumper of the Humble unit. This collision caused the Sheriff's Department vehicle to lose control. Leaving the roadway, the vehicle struck a bridge guardrail post and then jumped the concrete embankments of the ditch. As it landed, the unit flipped end over end, then turned sideways and began to roll over and over. The vehicle struck two trees before coming to a stop and bursting into flames. The other Patrol Deputy was able to exit the vehicle on his own, while responding Deputies extinguished the fire and removed Deputy Wier from the patrol unit. Deputy Wier died instantly as a result of massive head and chest injuries. Reserve Deputy James Wier had a Masters Degree in Education and was the Director of Food Services for the Cypress Fairbanks I.S.D. Reserve Deputy Wier was 36 years old.

Joe Mason Westbrook

On July 1, 1979, Reserve Deputy Joe Westbrook was working an extra job at a restaurant in the 2100 block of West 18th in Houston. Shortly after midnight, two men entered the restaurant, approached the counter and stated they were there to pick up a pizza. Deputy Westbrook was near a bench just across from the counter. One of the men began talking with Deputy Westbrook, while the other man made his way behind Deputy Westbrook, pulled a gun and literally executed the Deputy by shooting him in the back of the head. Deputy Westbrook was shot three more times by the two gunmen, including a round that penetrated his ballistic vest and entered his chest. These injuries proved fatal to Deputy Westbrook. One of the suspects then turned, shot the cook and ran toward the manager's office. The second suspect pulled two guns and held the patrons while the robbery was taking place. The manager, upon hearing the gunshots, pulled a weapon and took a position in his office. As the first suspect entered the office, the manager fired once striking him in the throat. The suspect was able to return fire, striking the manager in the hand. This suspect died at the scene. The second suspect then fled with Deputy Westbrook's revolver. An intense investigation by a combined force of HPD and Sheriff's Department investigators led to the recovery of Deputy Westbrook's weapon and the arrest of the second suspect. Joe was an estimator for the Cummus Company. Reserve Deputy Joe Westbrook was 43 years old.

Albert Ochoa Garza

On Monday, July 30, 1979, Deputy Albert Garza, a Process Server in the Courts Division, spent the day searching for a witness in a Capital Murder case when he decided to stop by a jewelry store in the 2600 block of Richmond to visit the owner. At approximately 5:45 P.M., two men entered the store and asked to look at some rings. The owner of the store made a comment to Deputy Garza that things didn't look right, so Deputy Garza walked to the back office and watched through the office's glass window. A short time passed when the owner signaled to Deputy Garza Albert Garza Joe Westbrook that something was wrong. Deputy Garza, wearing a suit, took off his jacket displaying his badge and gun. He approached the counter and advised the owner that he would wait on the two men. One of the men had talked about placing a ring on hold, so the owner turned and walked to another counter to get a layaway tag. Deputy Garza walked over to the area where the owner was, and as he turned back, one of the men pulled a gun and shot him once in the neck. Deputy Garza fell against the owner, who managed to scramble to the back office and get a gun. A running gun battle ensued between the owner and the two men, with the owner emptying three different guns at the suspects. Deputy Garza died at the scene. The suspects were later apprehended and charged with Capital Murder of a Peace Officer. Deputy Albert Garza was killed on his 48th birthday.

Royce Melvin Anderson

On Sunday, October 25, 1981, at approximately 9:45 P.M., Patrol Deputy Royce Anderson and a Reserve Deputy received a weapons disturbance call at a truck stop located at I-45 and Rankin Road. As they were interviewing witnesses, a man that had been stabbed in the neck approached the Deputies. He advised that the suspect, a truck driver, had left the area southbound on I-45. The victim gave the Deputies a description of the truck. The Deputies then left the scene in an attempt to locate it. Deputy Anderson overtook the truck near the North Belt and was finally able to stop the truck on the F. M. 149 overpass in the 9400 block of I-45. Both Deputies exited the patrol car with guns drawn and approached the truck from the driver's side. Deputy Anderson ordered the driver from the truck. After securing the suspect, Deputy Anderson began to advance to the driver's door to check the truck for other occupants. As Deputy Anderson lowered his weapon, which he had cocked, the weapon discharged striking him in the upper right leg. The bullet severed all of the major arteries in his leg, and despite frenzied efforts to save his life; Deputy Anderson eventually died of his wound at 5:05 A.M., Monday morning. Deputy Anderson was 29 years old.

Reginald Floyd Norwood

On Tuesday, September 3, 1985, Deputy Reginald "Rocky" Norwood was on his way to work when he drove up on a five car major accident in the 15700 block of the Eastex Freeway. Deputy Norwood parked his car on the Greens Road off-ramp and proceeded to assist in tending to the injured and traffic control. After helping two of the injured, Deputy Norwood began to run toward an overturned tractor-trailer which had victims trapped inside. A vehicle, ignoring officers that were directing traffic, drove through the center grassy median around the accident. As the vehicle reentered the roadway, it struck Deputy Norwood killing him instantly. The driver of the vehicle left the scene but turned himself in to sheriff's investigators the next day. Deputy Rocky Norwood was 27 years old.

Haskell Junior McCoy

On Monday, February 2, 1987, Deputy Haskell McCoy was going home after attending firearms qualifications at the Sheriff's Department range. As Deputy McCoy was traveling south in the 15000 block of the Eastex Freeway service road, a vehicle driving the wrong way struck his vehicle head-on. Both Deputy McCoy and the operator of the other vehicle were killed instantly. He was 64 years old.

Clark Harold Henry

On Monday, July 25, 1988, Deputy Clark Henry was working normal patrol duties in the 800 block of Aldine Bender when, for unknown reasons, he disregarded a red light at the Hardy Street intersection and collided with another car. Deputy Clark Henry died as a result of a broken neck. He was 64 years old.

Richard Maurice Blackwell

On Wednesday, September 6, 1989, Deputy Richard Blackwell was spending his morning as a motorcycle escort during a funeral procession. As Deputy Blackwell approached West 27th street southbound on Ella, the driver of another vehicle pulled into his path from a stop sign. Deputy Blackwell died from the collision as a result of massive chest injuries. He was 25 years old.

Jeffery Scott Sanford

On Saturday, September 14, 1991, Corporal Jeffery Scott Sanford was on his way to the Pasadena Rodeo to help at the D.A.R.E. booth that was being sponsored by the Sheriff's Department. On the way, Scott exited the North Freeway and entered a service station in the 6000 block of the service road. Scott was dressed in plain clothes and was driving an unmarked black Sheriff's Department vehicle equipped with grill lights, siren and Sheriff's Department radio. As Scott drove into the service station, he noticed a vehicle parked on the south side of the building with a driver sitting very low in the car. He pulled up next to and parallel with the station's convenience store and turned on his emergency grill lights. With his off duty weapon drawn, and displaying his badge and Sheriff's Department identification, Scott exited his car. He pushed open the door and as he stood in the doorway, he confronted a suspect and advised him to put his gun down. The suspect refused to drop his weapon, instead pointed his gun at Scott and told him to put his gun down. Unknown to Scott, another suspect was inside the store crouched behind the counter. This suspect, who was armed with a .25 auto that was not loaded, found a .357 magnum on a lower counter shelf. The first suspect then rushed Scott and began to wrestle with him. The second suspect, after crawling back under the counter, ran toward the doorway. As he reached the struggle, the second suspect raised the .357 magnum and struck Scott in the face. As the weapon made contact with Scott's left jaw the suspect pulled the trigger shooting Scott. The bullet severed both carotid arteries and Scott died at the scene. A few days later the two suspects inside the store, as well as the driver of the car, were arrested and charged with Capital Murder of a Peace Officer. Corporal Jeffery Scott Sanford, a very popular and active member of the Sheriff's Department, was 31 years old. On September 24, 1991, Harris County Commissioner's Court signed into order a resolution proclaiming September 14th as Corporal Jeffery Scott Sanford Day in Harris County.

Ricky Aaron Yates

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 25, 1994, Deputy Ricky Yates was traveling east on F. M. 2090 from his home in Montgomery County. He was enroute to a Harris County school zone that had recently been the target of a complaint of speeders. Road and visibility conditions were poor due to a mist and haze. Deputy Yates, a motorcycle unit assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Division was driving eastbound when a truck traveling westbound attempted to pass another vehicle and pulled into Deputy Yates' path causing a head-on collision. Deputy Yates was killed instantly. Deputy Ricky Aaron Yates, who was described as always giving 110% and a great friend to many, was 43 years old.

Harvey M. Davis

On Tuesday, May 21, 1996 Detective Harvey M. Davis was on special assignment from the Harris County Sheriffs Department while participating in the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run. Detective Davis was one of 38 participants carrying the Special Olympics Torch from Houston to Austin for the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Summer Games. Shortly after the run started, Detective Davis suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed between Hockley and Waller while on his leg of the relay.

Paramedics on the scene and Life Flight medical personnel worked on Detective Davis for more than an hour. Doctors at Herman Hospital pronounced him dead shortly before 1:30 p.m.

Detective Davis was a 14-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Department and was assigned to the Criminal Warrants Division.

Douglas "Doug" Noll

At approximately 12:20 a.m., on July 22, 1996, Sheriff's Dept. patrol deputies began pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle in the vicinity of Aldine Mail Route and Highway 59. Other units began to move toward the area to back up or assist units involved in the pursuit. One unit was traveling southbound on Homestead Road. Another was traveling eastbound on Lauder Road. The vehicle on Lauder Road turned southbound into the path of the vehicle on Homestead, and was struck on the driver's side door. Deputy Noll was the driver of the vehicle attempting to turn onto Homestead. He was killed in the accident. The deputies in the other vehicle survived the accident. Deputy Doug Noll was 26 years old and a five year veteran of the Sheriff's Department.

Randolph "Randy" Michael Eng

On December 21, 1996, at approximately 10:00 p.m., two Harris County Sheriff's Deputies, were shot while working an off duty security job at the Imperial Palace Restaurant in the 9100 block of Bellaire. The Deputies were attempting to intervene in a disturbance at that location when the suspect pulled a weapon and shot Deputy Randy Eng in the head and Deputy Murray Campbell in the arm. Both Deputies were transported to Ben Taub Hospital where Deputy Eng was pronounced dead. Deputy Campbell survived his wound. Deputy Randy Eng was 38 years old and a nine year veteran of the Sheriff's Department. He was currently serving in the Detention Bureau at the 1301 Franklin jail facility. Deputy Eng was well known and respected inside the Department and was active in the Houston Asian Community.

Keith A. Fricke

On Saturday, May 24, 1997 off duty Deputy Keith A. Fricke was working an approved extra job and was providing a motorcycle escort for a funeral procession. Sometime during the procession, Deputy Fricke had to break away from the escort in order to refuel his motorcycle. Deputy Fricke was in full uniform and operating a fully marked police motorcycle. As he was returning back to the funeral procession, he was traveling northbound on Collins Road in Richmond, Texas when he was struck by a 1988 Cadillac Brougham that was traveling southbound.

As Deputy Fricke approached a private drive to a coin operated car wash, the southbound vehicle began turning left directly in his path. Deputy Fricke was unable to avoid the collision and was ejected from his motorcycle. He landed approximately 38 feet from the point of impact. The impact was so severe that it knocked his helmet off his head. The driver of the Cadillac was shown at fault for failure to yield right-of-way and was cited for not having a driver's license.

Deputy Fricke was transported by Life Flight to Herman Hospital in Houston. On June 4, 1997 he was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.

Deputy Fricke was a 12-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Department and was 38 years old at the time of his death.

Rebecca A. Shaw

On Friday, February 13, 1998, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Deputy Rebecca A. Shaw, assigned to Patrol District IV, died as a result of injuries when her patrol car was struck by a train at an uncontrolled railroad crossing near the intersection of Highway 290 and Becker Road. She was on duty at the time of the accident. Deputy Shaw was transported to Hermann Hospital by Lifeflight helicopter, where she died at approximately 8:40 a.m. Deputy Shaw was 49 years old and a fourteen year veteran of the Sheriff's Department. "She was very well thought of," Sheriff Thomas said. "She was a field-training officer. She would train our new officers when they came to patrol, which says a lot about her." Deputy Shaw was the first female to be killed in the line of duty with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.

Oscar C. Hill IV

On Monday, June 19, 2000, off duty Deputy Oscar C. Hill was at a nightclub on Rankin Road in north Harris County. An altercation erupted outside the club between several males, one of whom displayed a firearm and fired a round into an adjacent open field. A security guard working at the nightclub ordered them all to leave the property. Deputy Hill exited the nightclub with the manager and was advised by the security guard of what had happened. While he was listening to the explanation, Deputy Hill witnessed a vehicle leaving the nightclub westbound toward I-45. A subject was discharging rounds from the vehicle. Deputy Hill then went in pursuit in his POV.

Deputy Hill managed to catch up with the vehicle at the intersection of I-45 and Rankin Road. The vehicle had stopped for the signal light. Deputy Hill exited his vehicle with his gun drawn and approached the suspect vehicle on the passenger side in an attempt to arrest the occupants. Deputy Hill reached inside the window of the vehicle with his weapon. The vehicle suddenly accelerated, dragging the deputy across the service road. Deputy Hill discharged his weapon and fell in the roadway. A second vehicle, associated with and traveling directly behind the first vehicle deliberately ran over Deputy Hill while he lay helpless in the roadway. Deputy Hill suffered massive injuries to his legs, pelvis, head, and internal organs. He was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition.

Deputy Hill underwent several surgeries in an attempt to save his life, but eventually succumbed to his injuries and died on July 22, 2000.

The suspect in the case accepted a plea bargain for a reduced charge of criminally negligent homicide and was given one year in jail and seven years deferred adjudication. The suspect was also granted permission to spend Thanksgiving at home with his family.

John C. Risley

On Monday, October 23, 2000, shortly before 2:00 p.m., Deputy John C. Risley, assigned to Patrol District IV, responded to a disturbance call near Tomball. Apparently when Deputy Risley arrived at the scene, a 70 year old retired oil worker, who was armed with a shotgun, confronted him. The suspect believed his neighbors were involved with organized crime and was intent on resolving it himself. There were no obvious signs that the suspect was suffering from any kind of mental illness.

The neighbors had called police after the elderly suspect confronted them on their doorstep. Deputy Risley was at the residence for about 20 minutes when he called for backup. The backup deputy was heading for the location when a 911 call came from the house reporting that shots had been fired. The suspect shot and killed Deputy Risley before backup arrived. When the backup deputy arrived on the scene he saw the suspect sitting on the porch. He asked the suspect where Deputy Risley was and the suspect motioned toward Deputy Risley's body. The suspect then raised his shotgun toward the backup deputy and a gun battle erupted with the backup deputy returning fire and killing the suspect.

Paramedics at the scene were unable to revive Deputy Risley. He was flown by Life Flight Helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 3 p.m.

Deputy Risley's fellow deputies knew him as a giving man who was devoted to his family. He was married and had two daughters, ages 16 and 11. Deputy John C. Risley was 38 years old and a 10-year veteran of the Department.

Barrett T. Hill

On Monday, December 4, 2000 shortly before 7:00 a.m. Deputy Barrett T. Hill, assigned to Patrol District 1, was in his last week of training. He and his field training officer responded to a report of four men breaking into cars in the parking lot of the Glen Oaks Apartments in northern Harris County. When they arrived on the scene, the deputies spotted two men breaking into a vehicle. The suspects ran, and Deputy Hill Barrett T. Hill and his training officer split up to run after each one.

Shortly after pursuing his suspect into the woods, Deputy Hill radioed his training officer that he had one man in custody. The training officer then heard gunshots and tried to contact Deputy Hill by radio. When he did not answer, the training officer called for help and dropped his pursuit to look for him.

Deputy Hill was found with his handcuffs out, but his service weapon was still in its holster. He had been shot several times, at least once in the face.

The shooting suspect ran from the woods across a small drainage ditch to another apartment complex. There, the suspect confronted a woman at gunpoint that was on her way to work and ordered her out of her car and fled in it.

About 10:30 a.m., the stolen car was spotted by a Washington County Sheriffs Department deputy at a tractor-supply warehouse in Brenham, about 75 miles from the shooting scene. The driver jumped out of the car and ran a short distance before being captured. A gun of the same caliber as the five shell casings recovered near Deputy Hill's body was recovered from the car in Brenham. The suspect was subsequently found guilty of Capital Murder of a Peace Officer and is currently on death row.

Deputy Hill had worked as a jailer for three years before deciding to pursue a job as a patrol deputy. His last assignment before training as a patrol deputy was at the Department's Inmate Processing Center downtown. His fellow deputies knew him as an extremely positive person who was happy with his life.

He was very proud of his family. At the time of his death, he was survived by his two daughters, ages 18 and 7.

Joseph N. Dennis

At approximately 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2001, Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph N. Dennis assigned to Patrol District I, responded to a Family Disturbance call at 9530 Maple Leaf in northern Harris County. Upon arriving he found the call was related to an Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. The reportee was the sister of the suspect. While Deputy Dennis was writing the offense report the suspect drove past the residence. The reportee pointed at the suspect and alerted Deputy Dennis that he had just driven by. Deputy Dennis immediately pursued the suspect for approximately one-mile and stopped him at the dead end of the 9900 block of Oakland Circle. While attempting to handcuff the suspect, the suspect shot Deputy Dennis in the head. The suspect was apprehended approximately eight hours later. At the time of his arrest the suspect was wearing Deputy Dennis' handcuffs on his left hand and he had Deputy Dennis' duty weapon. The suspect was also in possession of the 25-caliber handgun that he used to shoot and kill Deputy Dennis. The suspect was subsequently found guilty of Capital Murder of a Peace Officer and is currently on death row.

Deputy Dennis was a 10-year patrol deputy and a 14- year veteran of the Department. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, Rene' Dennis, also a Harris County Sheriff's Deputy, and his two children, Brandon Joseph age 9 and Chelsea Rene' age 5. Rene's father, Roy McDonald, was also a deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.

Shane R. Bennett

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Shane R. Bennett, assigned to Patrol District II, responded to a possible Home Invasion in northeast Harris County. A teen-age girl's frantic call brought Deputy Bennett and two other deputies to the modest home in the middle of the night. Their mission was urgent. Masked men with guns had broken through the front door and were threatening the girl's family. The deputies heard screams, so they went into the house, which was nearly pitch black. They turned on their flashlights and walked through a few rooms. Deputy Bennett was followed single file by two other deputies when they confronted two masked, armed robbers. A gun battle ensued in which the two suspects and Deputy Bennett lay mortally wounded. Also wounded were a female occupant of the residence and her infant son.

One suspect fled the house before the shootout, while two others were outside the residence. One was serving as a lookout and the other was in a getaway car.

All were eventually captured and charged with aggravated robbery. A ballistics report later confirmed that Deputy Bennett died from friendly fire, shot in the back of the head by a fellow deputy.

Deputy Bennett was a 5-year patrol deputy and an 8-year veteran of the Department. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife and their 20-month-old daughter.