Family of suspected thief: Deputies were excessive
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The family of a man shot and killed by Harris County deputies is calling for a federal investigation and saying the truck theft suspect was not a threat to law enforcement.
Michael Maldonado was in a stolen truck at a business in the 9500 block of Airline Drive on Tuesday, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Suspected car thief shot by police
Four deputies surrounded the vehicle as Michael Maldonado was in the driver's seat, investigators said.
Investigators said the deputies fired at the truck when Maldonado began to try to ram them.
Maldonado's family said the number of shots fired was excessive.
GRAPHIC VIDEO: Officer-involved shooting caught on camera
Activist Quanell X held a press conference with the family on Sunday calling for an outside investigation. He said the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the district attorney cannot fairly conduct the investigation into the deputies' actions.
As is routine practice, the deputies involved are on leave during the inquiry.
Quanell X said he believes anger over the shooting death of Harris County Constable Pct. 3 Assistant Chief Deputy Clint Greenwood the day before Maldonado was shot contributed to aggression by officers. The Greenwood killing has not been solved.
"The environment among Harris County law enforcement is already angry. The tensions are already high," Quanell X said.
Maldonado's wife, Amy Maldonado, said she didn't know he planned to steal a vehicle last week. She, Quanell X and the other family members present said they don't condone the vehicle theft but said stealing a truck should not be punishable by death.
Though they were not present at the shooting, the family disputes law enforcement claims that deputies were in danger when Maldonado began driving while surrounded.
"My husband can't be there with me to see our baby boy born and I just want justice for him," Amy said.
Report a typo to the ABC13 staff
