Rifle-Wielding Man Kills Houston Deputy, Injures 2 Others

HOUSTON, TX — A Harris County constable deputy was killed and two other deputies were injured early Saturday morning in a shooting that authorities are calling an "ambush."

The constable deputies were working an extra shift at the 45 North Bar and Lounge when they were called for a disturbance near the business around 2:15 a.m., according to police. They attempted to arrest someone when a second person with a rifle opened fire from behind, Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief James Jones said at a news conference.

“We believe they were ambushed, shot … with a rifle,” Jones told reporters.

Deputy Kareem Atkins, 30, died at the scene, The Houston Chronicle reported. He had worked for Precinct 4 since January 2019 and had recently returned from paternity leave. He leaves behind a wife and baby.

Also shot were Deputy Darrell Garrett, 28, who is in intensive care after undergoing surgery after he was shot in the back, the Chronicle reported. Deputy Juqaim Barthen, 26, was also shot and is expected to recover.

One person is in custody, but police are still searching for a man believed to be the shooter.

Investigators believe the shooter was a man in his early 20s, CNN reported.

“We hope to have a suspect in custody soon,” said Mark Herman of Harris County Constable Precinct 4.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the deputies shot back, Jones said. Houston police were still investigating, but authorities believe the disturbance may have been a robbery that the constables stopped.

“It turns out it may have been a robbery they were intervening in … probably unknown to them at the time,” Jones said.

“They were trying to arrest a suspect or detain a suspect … when they were ambushed,” and shot, Jones said.

Constables are licensed peace officers who perform various law enforcement functions, according to the Texas Association of Counties.

On Saturday morning, Atkins’ body was escorted to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office by law enforcement agencies from across the county, according to multiple outlets. Some saluted the passing vehicle while others cried in grief.

“This is a tough time for Precinct 4. I'm asking for all of our community's thoughts and prayers for our families,” Herman said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Media briefing on shooting of three @pct4constable deputies. #hounews https://t.co/9zL6BecBvO
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) October 16, 2021