A Texas State University freshman was killed in a police-involved shooting as the deputy who allegedly fired off the fatal shot was fired.
Brazoria County Deputy Kevin Tippit was sacked from his position following a week-long investigation into the death of 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr. on June 1, Sheriff Bo Stallman announced Tuesday.
“The authority that is entrusted to law enforcement officers is extraordinary, and with that authority comes a responsibility to exercise sound judgment, follow policy and uphold the standards that are expected by this profession,” Stallman said in a video posted on Facebook.
“Based on the ongoing investigations and the information available to me at this time, I have determined that due to the policy violations, related to the handling and discharging of his firearm the employment of the deputy involved in the shooting on June 1, Kevin Tippit, has been terminated effective today.”
Officials said Tippit had “discharged his firearm” while confronting Mendoza following a pursuit just after midnight in Lake Jackson, Texas, a city in the Greater Houston area.
Mendoza was allegedly heading home from a nearby park when he came across Tippit, his family said.
Tippit had attempted to pull over Mendoza for a traffic stop on the outskirts of Lake Jackson, but the teen allegedly fled and led the deputy on a pursuit, the sheriff’s office said hours after the shooting.
Mendoza drove roughly 1.3 miles to his home in a nearby neighborhood, where he parked in an attached garage and stepped out of his car, where Tippit approached the teen and allegedly fired his gun.
Mendoza was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to officials.
“John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. lost his life, your family lost a son, friends lost someone they loved. Regardless of any outcome of any investigation, your family’s loss is permanent and your grief is real,” Stallman said.
“I can not begin to understand the pain that your family is experiencing, but I wanted you to know that your loss is seen and that John Mendoza Jr. will not be forgotten.”
The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into the shooting with the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office before any charges and indictments are handed out.
“A thorough and comprehensive investigation is being conducted and this matter will be presented, in its entirety, to the grand jury for their review and action,” Brazoria County Criminal District Attorney Tom Selleck announced in a statement on June 3.
Stallman warned his decision had nothing to do with an ongoing investigation by the Texas Rangers into Tippit’s actions.
“I know there will be some who believe this decision goes too far and others who believe it does not go far enough,” he said. “I understand my role is not to satisfy every opinion. My role as sheriff is to make informed decisions based on the information available to me, and while respecting the integrity and the investigative and legal process.”
Selleck believes the investigation will take several months as officials conduct forensic testing.
Mendoza’s family called for justice for the teen, who had been studying management at the San Marcos, Texas institution.
“Today, our family is asking for your support to help raise awareness, seek accountability, and honor the life of my little brother, John Gabriel Mendoza Jr.” Mendoza’s sister, Allyson wrote on GoFundMe.
Allyson claimed Tippit had followed her brother home from a park and shot him “without warning or direction,” before paramedics took 20 minutes to get to the scene.
“Those lost minutes mattered. Where was the sense of urgency?? From the unjustified and aggressive use of force by the officer who shot John, to the delayed emergency response. John was failed at every stage. Our family is left with heartbreaking questions,” she wrote.
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