An off-duty law enforcement officer shot a man who was trying to enter his vehicle where the deputy’s child was sitting, investigators say.

ATASCOCITA, Texas — An off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot and killed a man who tried to get into his vehicle while his child was inside Friday afternoon, according to HCSO investigators. 

It happened at around 2:45 p.m. on Treewood Drive, in a neighborhood west of West Lake Houston Parkway and north of FM 1960.

Major Ben Katrib with HCSO said after the deputy placed his child in the vehicle, a man tried to get into it.  That man then reportedly ignored the deputy’s commands to stop. 

The deputy called 911 and told dispatchers he was holding the man at gunpoint. He was heard giving commands to the man over the phone.

When the man opened the vehicle door and tried to get inside, the deputy, fearing his baby’s life was in danger, fired multiple times, investigators said.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Precinct 4 Constable’s Office units responded and found the man on the lawn with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The deputy, a four-year veteran assigned to the patrol division, and his child weren’t hurt. The deputy didn’t know the suspect, officials said.

It is not known if the suspect had a weapon. Internal affairs is investigating the shooting, which is standard policy for deputy-involved shootings.

Authorities said there is no threat to the public.

@HCSOTexas Detectives are responding to the 5300 block of Treewood Drive (Humble). Preliminary: an off-duty HCSO deputy discharged his firearm, striking a subject. No injuries to our deputy, the wounded man has been transported to a hospital in critical condition. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/XfR9i8Ngdg

— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 31, 2025

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