The Houston community mourns as a Texas deputy constable is killed in an off-duty shooting, shaking the city and prompting a thorough investigation by authorities.
At a Glance
- A Texas deputy constable, Maher Husseini, was fatally shot while driving to work in his personal vehicle.
- A man approached Husseini’s car at a Houston intersection and fired multiple times.
- The suspect led authorities on a chase that ended in Galveston, where he was captured after attempting to swim away.
- Investigators are looking into road rage as a possible motive for the shooting.
Tragic Shooting Incident
Deputy Maher Husseini, a Harris County constable since 2021, was fatally shot while driving to work early Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred at a Houston intersection, where a man approached Husseini’s car and fired multiple times. Husseini, who was not in uniform, was driving his personal SUV when the attack happened. He was pronounced dead at a Houston hospital.
The suspect fled the scene, leading authorities on a high-speed chase spanning around 60 miles. The chase ended in the waters off Galveston Bay, where the suspect tried to escape by swimming away but was captured. Harris County Constable Mark Herman expressed deep sadness over the deputy’s murder, highlighting the somber mood within the community.
Texas deputy was fatally shot at Houston intersection while driving to work, police say https://t.co/1O7maRvUWr
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 4, 2024
Efforts to Capture the Suspect
The authorities identified the suspect as an Asian/Middle Eastern male between 35 and 40 years old, driving a charcoal grey Chevy Impala with a unique bumper disfigurement. After leading authorities on a chase that spanned about 60 miles, the suspect drove his vehicle into the water near the Causeway bridge in Galveston Bay. Multiple boats were called to the scene, and a marine unit, along with a police K9, played a crucial role in apprehending the suspect who was seen treading water for nearly half an hour.
Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz said the man then “swam out about 50-60 yards and we had to use a boat and some tactical folks to grab him and a police K9 helped secure him while he was resisting the boat.”
A Texas deputy constable who was driving to work in his personal vehicle was fatally shot Tuesday by a man who walked up to his car at a Houston intersection and fired multiple times, police said. https://t.co/pfK4sD1nHC
— ABC News (@ABC) September 4, 2024
Investigation and Community Response
The investigative team is working diligently to determine the motive behind this senseless act. The possibility of road rage is currently being explored. Governor Greg Abbott has assured that the suspect will face the full weight of the law, reinforcing the state’s stance on such acts of violence.
“The dangerous criminal who ambushed and murdered Deputy Constable Husseini will have the full weight of the law brought down upon him,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement.
The tragic loss of Deputy Husseini has left the Houston community grieving. Described as a dedicated public servant, Husseini was known for his commitment to his role since he joined the Harris County Constable’s office in 2021. His recent promotion further highlights his dedication and contributions. Husseini leaves behind a grieving family, including his spouse and children, as well as a community that deeply valued his service and dedication to public safety.
