Deputy Constable Critically Wounded, Suspect Killed In Shootout

[Grislic]

Deputy Constable Critically Wounded, Suspect Killed In Shootout - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston


HOUSTON -- A suspect was killed after he got a hold of a deputy constable's gun while handcuffed and shot him multiple times, officials told KPRC Local.

Residents at the Chancellor Apartments on Parramatta Lane near Trevor Way in north Harris County said they heard the terrifying sound of more than a dozen gunshots at about 3 p.m. Saturday.

"The shots rang out -- I heard about 15 or 16 and then it stopped, and then it started right back up again," resident Tamika Johnson said.

As a result of all the shots, a suspect was killed and a Harris County Precinct 6 deputy constable was critically wounded.

Investigators said Cpl. Harry Thielepape was working an extra job at the apartment complex.

Thielepape stopped Jesus Reyna on suspicion of a traffic violation, officials said.

Constable Victor Trevino said Reyna had been arrested, handcuffed and placed in an unmarked squad car equipped with a "cage."

"We assume that the deputy saw the suspect possibly pull his hands in front," Trevino said. "Possibly the deputy may have gone back to secure him."

Trevino said there may have been a scuffle just before Reyna and Thielepape exchanged fire.

Investigators said Reyna got a hold of one of Thielepape's guns and shot him three times in the chest, once in the leg and once in the groin.

Reyna was also shot and died at the scene, detectives said. Drugs and a gun were found inside Reyna's vehicle, investigators said. There were two class-C warrants out for his arrest, officials said.

"I'm just so glad I didn't have my children out here playing like they normally play out here the time that happened," Johnson said.

Thielepape was not in uniform, but he was wearing a bulletproof vest and had his badge displayed on his chest, investigators said.

Officials said they hope Thielepape will pull through.

"It's been tough on us," Trevino said. "Right now we're just here to pray and wish for his quick recovery."

Thielepape has been featured on KPRC Local 2's "Wheel of Justice" several times.

The Precinct 6 Constable's Office has lost two deputies since 2005.

Deputy Constable Nehemiah Pickens, 33, was killed when he was mistakenly shot by a fellow officer in 2005.

Carltrell Odom, a 22-year-old reserve deputy, was killed in a robbery outside his apartment in November.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[ccw9mm]

Good example of how handcuffs aren't pixie dust that makes BG's go as limp as a boned fish. Until secured, anyone can escalate to the point of being a deadly threat.

[retsupt99]

Dealing with 'dirtbags' is no easy matter. What we talk about doing, and the real world events can be miles apart. I hope I never have to make the decision to use deadly force...it's a tough one...when and if I do, I hope my muscle memory serves me well.

Hope the deputy fully recovers...hope the BG enjoys the 'well-earned' dirt nap.

[HotGuns]

Until secured, anyone can escalate to the point of being a deadly threat

Constable Victor Trevino said Reyna had been arrested, handcuffed and placed in an unmarked squad car equipped with a "cage."

"We assume that the deputy saw the suspect possibly pull his hands in front," Trevino said. "Possibly the deputy may have gone back to secure him."


Even when "secured" they can be a deadly threat.
One of the main reasons that you always cuff someones hand behind their back when at all possible.

Sounds to me like he stepped over and got his hands in front and grabbed the gun...while he was still cuffed.

A cuffed suspect with a gun can shoot you dead.

[AZ Husker]

Another reason to used hinged cuffs instead of chained ones. They're more of a pain to put on, but MUCH more difficult to get out of, especially with small, skinny BG's.

[HotGuns]

AZ...hinged are fine, but the last few people I put cuffs on were so big that we couldn't used hinged. In fact, Ive had to used two sets of cuffs on several occasions.

[AZ Husker]

True, I've done the same thing. But you don't have to worry about those big suckers working their cuffed hands under their butt and around to the front!

[P7fanatic]

If chained handcuffs are used, why don't you just thread the chain under/behind the belt (in back) so that the arms can't be brought around to the front?
Yes, I know, some people aren't wearing a belt but most are.....

[mulle46]

If chained handcuffs are used, why don't you just thread the chain under/behind the belt (in back) so that the arms can't be brought around to the front?
Yes, I know, some people aren't wearing a belt but most are.....

This MIGHT work on a complaint suspect but if a LEO is by themselves trying to cuff a resistant suspect they are only thinking about getting the cuffs on. They wont be attempting to thread the cuffs between the pants and the belt(if it is there) before cuffing the suspect. OMO.

[ccw9mm]

Even when "secured" they can be a deadly threat.

Yup.

[SIGguy229]

This MIGHT work on a complaint suspect but if a LEO is by themselves trying to cuff a resistant suspect they are only thinking about getting the cuffs on. They wont be attempting to thread the cuffs between the pants and the belt(if it is there) before cuffing the suspect. OMO.

Just an idea---how about zip tying the cuffs to the suspect's belt (with a heavy duty zip tie)