Who is Sgt. Sean Rios? HPD veteran killed near North Fwy leaves behind 4 kids

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A 25-year member of the Houston Police Department was the plainclothes officer who died after a gun battle near the North Freeway on Monday, according to Chief Art Acevedo.

Sgt. Sean Rios died after being shot multiple times in the 7700 block of the North Freeway.

On Monday evening, his body was escorted to the medical examiner's office where his brothers and sisters in HPD paid tribute to him. Video of the arrival can be viewed in the player above.

Here's what we know about the sergeant in the hours after he was killed.

What led up to the shooting?

While the incident is still under investigation and a suspect is still on the run, Acevedo stated Rios was on his way to the airport for the start of his shift when the gunfight took place.

He was shot multiple times, later running to the nearby Taj Inn & Suites where he looked for help. He collapsed and later died at the scene.

WATCH: HPD Chief Art Acevedo announces Sgt. Rios' death after "gun battle"

How did the fatal shooting of an off-duty HPD officer unfold? Chief Art Acevedo released details Monday afternoon and sent a strong message to the shooters.

His family

Acevedo said Rios leaves behind four children - ages 17, 14, 12 and 9 years old - as well as his parents, a brother, and two cousins, who are HPD detectives.

"We will never forget him and will see his 4 children, family and friends through this painful loss," Acevedo tweeted.

WATCH: Sgt. Rios' friend remembers the fallen sergeant as a mentor for youth wrestlers

In the wake of another HPD sergeant's death, a friend of the fallen officer is telling ABC13 about his life, including the police veteran's passion.

Tragic statistic

Rios became the fourth member of HPD to die in the line of duty, and the second in the last three weeks.

Last month, Sgt. Harold Preston, who was slated to retire this year after 41 years in HPD, died when he responded to a domestic dispute.

Officer Jason Knox died back in May 2020 when the HPD helicopter he was on went down.

And in December 2019, Sgt. Christopher Brewster was shot and killed while confronting a domestic violence suspect in Houston's East End.

The Houston Fire Department also lost one of their own as a result of a violent act. Arson investigator Lemuel Bruce died while pursuing a suspect.

SEE ALSO: 6 homicides erupt across Houston in less than 24 hours

In the midst of a more violent 24 hours than what the city typically faces, Mayor Sylvester Turner addresses what may be the root cause to the rising crime. In the video, an HPD representative also gives a data comparison of the violence.

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