Grieving community remembers honest and humble deputy constable killed at mall in Sharpstown

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A grieving community in San Jacinto County remembered an honest and humble Deputy Constable Neil Adams, who worked as an environmental law enforcement officer in the county.

Precinct 1 Constable Roy Rogers said Adams served for ten years as an officer. He worked as a dispatcher in the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office before going to the academy. Adams then served San Jacinto as a county deputy for about eight years before landing at Precinct 1 nearly two years ago.

"Yes, sir. It's tough. It's a tough time for all of us," said Rogers. "Neil was a really good friend of mine. Neil was the kind of guy you'd want to go hunting and fishing with. He was that kind of person. He was real people, a dedicated professional."

SEE ALSO: San Jacinto Pct. 1 deputy killed while working extra job at mall in Sharpstown, HPD says

In his honor, a red rose and black ribbon were placed on Adams' county office door. A wreath stood in front of a patrol car near the county annex.

Adams was shot and killed while working an extra job at a mall in Sharpstown on Wednesday, according to Houston police. He was working an off-duty job at the mall when an altercation with the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Czyz Harrison.

Investigators said that the suspect managed to wrestle the deputy's gun away and shoot him with it. Adams was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

The suspect then made his way to the food court, where he was found by two HPD officers who had been called for an officer assist.

SEE ALSO: Suspect accused of shooting and killing San Jacinto Pct. 1 deputy at mall identified by family

Investigators said that's when the suspect threatened them with a sharp object, and both officers fired their weapons. The suspect later died at the hospital.

It is unclear what exactly sparked the initial altercation between the deputy and the suspect.

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