Late Wednesday morning, a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed in the line of duty while attempting to serve a warrant while working with the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force.
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Here’s what we know about that deputy so far:
Deputy identified
The deputy was shot in the parking lot of a shopping center at 9333 Stella Link Road at around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
In the hours following the shooting, KPRC 2 learned the identity of the deputy who was killed. He was identified as Jesus Vargas, a 17-year veteran with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
Background information
KPRC 2 learned that Vargas leaves behind a wife and three children.
“I would ask that you all send our prayers and condolences to the family. That’s what we are doing as a department and as a community of Brazoria County,” Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman said.
In a post on Facebook, Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office described Vargas as a “dedicated public servant.”
“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,” a portion of the post read.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire called Vargas a “true crime fighter doing the Lord’s work.”
Community response
Several officials and organizations have responded in the aftermath of the shooting.
The 100 Club, a non-profit organization that provides financial relief to law enforcement officials injured in the line of duty, immediately pledged $20,000 to the deputy’s wife.
Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the death of Brazoria County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jesus Vargas who was shot and killed in the line of duty earlier today. Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends, and community. https://t.co/gVXtCgInms pic.twitter.com/KVq2sIPPkO
— The 100 Club (@100ClubHouTx) January 15, 2025
Other prominent political figures across the state, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, have also showed support to the fallen deputy in posts on X.
SEE OUR FULL ARTICLE: The 100 Club pledges immediate $20K check to family of fallen Brazoria County deputy as officials give condolences