Brazoria County deputy dies after being shot on Stella Link Road in southwest Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Brazoria County deputy died after being shot by a suspect in southwest Houston on Wednesday.
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The shooting happened shortly before noon on Stella Link Road, just north of the South Loop.
The sheriff's office said Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died.
Sources confirmed with Eyewitness News that Vargas served the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
Police say preliminary information indicates the suspect took off on foot. A manhunt is underway for the suspect, identified as Robert Lee Davis, and the public is asked to avoid the area if possible.
According to the Houston Police Department, Davis also goes by the name Sean Christopher Davis.
Shortly after authorities conducted a news conference, a "Blue Alert" was sent across the state in search for Davis. He is described as a Black 56-year-old man, weighing 220 pounds and is 5 feet 10 inches tall.
"This afternoon we lost a local hero," Mayor John Whitmire said. "(Vargas) attempted to aprehend a repeat violence offender and he lost his life. The suspect shot (Vargas) as he approached him to serve the warrant."
Records show Davis has a criminal history dating back to 1990 and the most recent being from December 2024 for aggravated sexual assault charges.
If you know anything about this case, authorities urge you to contact the Houston Police Department's Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Tipsters must contact Crime Stoppers directly to remain anonymous and to be considered for a cash payment by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip, or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.
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