Search launched in Houston after sheriff’s deputy fatally shot, authorities say

HOUSTON– A man fatally shot a Texas sheriff’s deputy in southwest Houston, sparking a massive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, authorities said.

The suspect opened fire on Jesus Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department, as the deputy attempted to serve an arrest warrant Wednesday morning, Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman said.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the suspect had an extensive criminal history, including aggravated assault, and that Vargas and his partner had worked with a U.S. Marshal task force to locate the suspect and execute the warrant.

Crime scene tape surrounded a shopping plaza parking lot after the shooting.

Authorities said the massive search for the shooting suspect included helicopters, K-9s and teams of officers.

“There is a lot of manpower out there to try to bring this person to justice,” said Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz.

Stallman said Vargas was married and had three children.