HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A man accused of making terroristic threats against his ex-girlfriend was shot and killed by a sheriffs deputy Christmas Day at the victim's apartment in northeast Harris County, according to the sheriff's office.
It happened about 4:30 a.m. at the Costa Rialto Apartments in the 5000 block of Aldine Bender, just west of the Eastex Freeway.
Investigators said the 31-year-old suspect had an open warrant out for his arrest and had came to the ex-girlfriend's apartment about 10:20 p.m. Christmas Eve. He was accused of threatening to shoot up the woman's home.
When officers arrived, the suspect had already left.
HCSO said a sheriffs deputy who had responded to the woman's call on Christmas Eve learned the man had returned, and the officer went to the scene hoping to arrest the suspect.
When the officer arrived at the apartment a second time, the suspect was reportedly armed. HCSO said the deputy told the man to drop his weapon, and that's when the man is accused of firing multiple shots at the officer.
Investigators said the deputy fired back in response, hitting the suspect and killing him. HCSO didn't specify how many times the officer fired.
The deputy was not injured.
Officers said the open warrant is linked to harassment and stalking allegations involving the same woman. He also has a long history of domestic violence, the sheriff's office said.
The ex-girlfriend and suspect had broken up at least six months ago, deputies said.
HCSO is still investigating the shooting, and the suspect's name will not be released until his identity is confirmed.
The officer involved has been with the department for about two years and has been working in the field the past six months, according to the sheriff's office.