HOUSTON — A prisoner was shot and killed by a San Jacinto County sheriff’s deputy inside HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood Hospital Monday night, according to the Houston Police Department.
This happened around 9 p.m. at the hospital along the Eastex Freeway.
Police said the prisoner had been admitted to the hospital on Monday for undisclosed reasons. While under supervision in his hospital room, an altercation broke out between the prisoner and the deputy assigned to watch over him.
Investigators said the prisoner allegedly attempted to grab the deputy’s firearm, prompting the deputy to open fire. The prisoner was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim’s sister, Sherree Brooks, said her family is searching for answers.
“If it was your loved one, how would you feel that you’re not getting any answers?” Brooks said. “We’re not here to cause any trouble or anything like that, but we’re going through something—that was still my younger brother.”
The deputy involved has been with the department for approximately five months.
“The deputy, obviously very shaken up over what occurred,” HPD Capt. C. Hassig said. “San Jacinto Sheriff’s [Office] is also running an administrative investigation for internal purposes.”
The case is being investigated by multiple agencies, including Houston police, the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County authorities.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood has released the following statement:
“We are aware of an incident that occurred on the campus of HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood involving law enforcement. The safety of our patients, colleagues, and visitors remains our top priority. We are cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. Any further inquiries regarding the incident should be directed to the appropriate authorities.”