The Harris County Sheriff's Office says Deputy Michael Medina knocked on the door of a second floor apartment. The door swung open and the 33-year-old suspect confronted Medina and began arguing with him. The suspect lunged at the deputy, sending both of them rolling down a flight of stairs.
During the struggle, the HCSO says Medina deployed his Taser at the suspect to try and subdue him, but the Taser was ineffective.
"During the deployment of the Taser, the suspect was still combative and in the course of the struggle, took the deputy's Taser away from him," said Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "At this time, the deputy pulled his duty weapon, discharged his firearm one time, striking the suspect in the upper chest area."
The suspect, identified as Charles Roy, Jr., was transported to LBJ Hospital where he died during surgery.
Roy's family says they're having a hard time understanding why Roy had to die. "When he moved from one side to the other, then he was already on the ground, they Tased him. I know they Tased him. The next thing you know I heard 'Pop,'" said one of Roy's cousins who did not want to be identified. "The family is just a wreck right now. The girlfriend witnessed the whole situation; she had to watch her boyfriend (Roy) get shot. The truth will eventually come out. People can say whatever they want to say, but the truth will come to light," said Roy's cousin Steven Mallet. The family says it is now planning to reach out to a community activist. The deputy was treated for minor bumps and bruises.Deputy Medina is an eight year veteran of the HCSO and assigned to patrol.
The shooting is under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff's Office and also the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
