HOUSTON – A frantic search is underway for a violent fugitive who shot and killed a Brazoria County deputy with the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force in southwest Houston, authorities confirmed.
What happened
The U.S. Marshals told KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry the deputy was shot in the parking lot of a shopping center at 9333 Stella Link Road, near the 610 South Loop, at around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
BREAKING: A law enforcement officer has been shot in southwest Houston and a fugitive is at large, the U.S. Marshals tell @KPRC2. It appears to have happened near a busy shopping center on Stella Link Road. pic.twitter.com/wiTvMbVbCw
— KPRC 2 Bryce Newberry (@KPRC2Bryce) January 15, 2025
The deputy and his team were serving a warrant on the violent offender, identified as 56-year-old Robert Lee Davis III, in the parking lot and as they approached the fugitive’s vehicle, Davis opened fire from his car.
The deputy was shot in the head, officials said.
He was taken to Ben Taub Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Deputy identified
The deputy has been identified as Jesus Vargas, a 17-year veteran with Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. Vargas leaves behind a wife and three kids they shared, officials said.
He is described as a “true crime fighter.”
Davis remains on the run and listed as highly dangerous. Officials are asking the public to avoid the area.
KPRC 2′s Jason Nguyen captured footage of K9 units searching the nearby Brays Bayou in the aftermath of the shooting.
An elementary school and a neighborhood nearby were temporarily placed on lockdown as multiple law enforcement agencies joined in the search for the gunman.
Houston Independent School District’s Horn Elementary released the following message to parents:
“Our campus has been temporarily placed in secure status as a precautionary measure while police investigate suspicious activity in the area. There is no direct threat to your students. All students remain safe, our building is secure, and our instructional day is continuing as normal.”
Blue Alert issued
A Blue Alert was issued for fugitive as Robert Davis III, aka Sean Davis. He is officially wanted for violence against a law enforcement officer. He was last seen wearing a blue Nike hoodie and jeans in the 9300 block of Stella Link Road.
RELATED: Blue Alert issued for suspect on the run after Brazoria County deputy shot, killed in Houston
Anyone with information is being asked to call the Houston Police Department at 713-308-3600 or if you see him, call 911.
This is a developing story. We’ll provide updates when we have more information.