A Texas man is suspected of killing a sheriff’s deputy in Houston on Wednesday and then hiding in a dumpster. The deputy, Jesus Vargas, had been with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Department for 17 years. He was shot and killed at a shopping plaza on Stella Link Road, near the I-610 South Loop in Houston, around 11:30 a.m. on January 15, 2025.
Vargas and his partner were trying to arrest a man, Robert Lee Davis, who had a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. When they approached his vehicle, Davis opened fire. Vargas was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. After the shooting, Davis fled the scene, leading police on a large manhunt with helicopters, K-9 units, and multiple law enforcement agencies.
Davis hid under trash in a dumpster, but police soon found him with the help of a K-9 unit. When the dog alerted officers to the dumpster, Davis shot the K-9, named Rocky. In response, police shot and killed Davis near the dumpster.
Davis had a long criminal history and had spent 20 years in prison for aggravated robbery. He had also been involved in robberies and drug crimes dating back to the 1980s. Davis had recently forfeited his bond for another crime.
Deputy Vargas, who was a father of three, was remembered as a hero. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz praised Vargas for his 17 years of service and described him as a dedicated officer. “He was a hero in my eyes,” Diaz said. “A lot of people don’t lose sight of how hard it is to make it in this career for 17 years.” The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Bo Stallman, is mourning the loss of Vargas, and the community has expressed their shock over the incident.
Rachel McKinley, a local business manager, shared that she heard the gunshots while working at Winfield’s Chocolate Bar. She was shocked, as she wasn’t used to gun violence, coming from Canada. “It was a pretty eye-opening experience,” McKinley said.
The K-9 Rocky, who was injured in the shootout, was flown by helicopter for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
