HOUSTON – KPRC 2 Investigates’ Mario Diaz has obtained new surveillance video giving a glimpse into the moments before tragedy unfolded in the shooting death of a Brazoria County deputy.
BACKGROUND: Suspect in Brazoria County deputy’s shooting killed after K-9 finds him hiding in SW Houston dumpster
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The U.S. Marshals told KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry, that Deputy Jesus Vargas, who was part of the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force, was gunned down at a shopping center’s parking lot off Stella Link Road, near the 610 South Loop in southwest Houston, at around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The surveillance footage, which may be disturbing to watch, has been edited up to the moments Deputy Vargas runs up to the truck and is about to engage Robert Lee Davis.
The deputy and his team, according to investigators, were trying to arrest Davis who was wanted on a warrant.
In the video, Davis is seen walking up toward a brown truck, opening the passenger door, and getting in. Seconds later, a white truck with law enforcement turns a corner and parks in front of the truck, vested officers get out and guns are drawn. Vargas with his gun drawn is seen behind the truck’s passenger side when the door opens. The video stops from there.
MORE: Who was Robert Lee Davis? Suspect in Brazoria County deputy’s shooting death
Officials said Vargas, a 17-year veteran with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, was shot in the head and taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Law enforcement officials described Vargas as a “true crime fighter” and dedicated public servant known for his integrity, compassion, and commitment to the community. He is survived by his wife and three children.
CLOSER LOOK: What we know about the Brazoria County deputy who was killed in the line of duty
Davis, meanwhile, was caught hours later hiding in a dumpster near where Deputy Vargas was killed. Authorities said a K-9 officer named Rocky, found Davis. The dog was shot and wounded by the fugitive, and an officer then shot back at Davis several times, killing him.
