Deputy constable shoots and kills driver on Beltway 8

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Deputy constable R. Felix, a 12-year-veteran with Precinct 5 was working traffic on the beltway.

“When he was advised by his dispatch of a sighted vehicle that had a number of toll way violations,” said HPD spokesman Kese Smith.

Police say deputy Felix pulled the car over between the Bellaire and Beechnut exits.

“He could smell from the car a strong odor of marijuana,” Smith said. The driver investigators say had no driver’s license and no proof of insurance.“And during the course of the conversation with the deputy continuously reached on the floorboard and threw papers as if he was reaching for something,” Smith said.

That’s when investigators say the deputy called for backup. When the deputy opened the door to get the driver out police say the man turned the ignition on and began accelerating.

“The deputy was standing right there on the driver’s side with the door open jumped onto the car door still fearing that he was going to be run over if he did not do so,” Smith said. “As he’s hanging onto the car the suspect is starting to accelerate and reached for the deputy’s gun handle.”

Because of how he was hanging onto the car police say the deputy couldn’t see inside.

When he feels the driver’s hand on his hand as he’s holding his gun investigators say Felix Fires two shots.
The driver is pronounced dead at the scene.

His name has yet to be released.

Police say they found three things inside his car.

“We found cash a cutting instrument, like an old barber style razor, the kind that flip open with a long straight edge blade, as well as a bandana,” said Smith.

Police say they don’t know why the man had those three things but it’s now part of their investigation.