An 18-year-old Texas State University student was fatally shot by a Brazoria County sheriff’s deputy after a pursuit ended at a Lake Jackson home early Monday morning, officials said.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near FM 2004 and This Way Street at about 12:09 a.m. Monday, June 1.
Authorities said the driver did not stop, leading to a pursuit that ended in the 100 block of Indian Warrior Trail in Lake Jackson.
According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle entered an attached garage at a home. Officials said the deputy encountered the driver and fired his weapon.
The driver was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Family members and Houston-area news reports have identified the driver as John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., 18. Reports said Mendoza was a Texas State University student and had previously played football at Brazoswood High School.
The sheriff’s office has not released what prompted the attempted traffic stop, what happened during the encounter inside or near the garage, whether body camera or dash camera footage exists, or what officials believe led the deputy to fire.
Family members have said Mendoza was unarmed. An attorney representing the family told the Houston Chronicle that Mendoza had just completed his freshman year at Texas State University and that no one in the vehicle was armed.
The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave under department policy while the investigation continues.
The Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office are involved in the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
WHAT WE KNOW:
- The incident happened at about 12:09 a.m. Monday June 1.
- The attempted traffic stop began near FM 2004 and This Way Street.
- The pursuit ended in the 100 Block of Indian Warrior Trail in Lake Jackson.
- The driver was shot by a Brazoria County sheriff's deputy.
- The driver later died at a local hospital.
- Family members identified him as John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., 18.
- The Texas Rangers and Brazoria County District Attorney's Office are involved in the investigation.
WHAT HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED:
- The reason for the attempted traffic stop.
- What happened immediately before the deputy fired.
- Whether officials believe the driver posed a threat.
- The deputy's name.
- Whether body camera or dash camera video exists.
This is a developing story. Gulf Coast Times will update this article as more confirmed information becomes available.
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