POLICE Department

Investigation into Shooting Incident at 3800 Ripplebrook Drive

August 17, 2020 - Houston police are investigating the shooting of a male by an off-duty Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputy at 3800 Ripplebrook about 6:25 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 15).

The male, Joseph Solomon, 24, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.  Doctors stated he is expected to survive his wounds.

The deputy was not injured in the incident.

HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeant G. Rodgers and Detectives I. Ulloa, R. Lujan, M. Resnick and J. Brown reported:

The deputy was called to his father’s home located on the above street to assist in a family disturbance between his father and a nephew.  When the deputy arrived, the father asked for assistance in moving the nephew out of the house after the nephew had an altercation with a female.  The female's brother (Solomon) then showed up to the residence and brandished a semi-automatic handgun.  Solomon pointed the gun at the deputy and other individuals in the vicinity, while making threatening statements.  The deputy, in plain clothes, confronted Solomon and presented his HCSO badge and identified himself as a deputy.  He then ordered Solomon to drop the gun, but the commands were ignored.  Fearing for his life and the life of other family members who were nearby, the deputy drew his concealed, off-duty handgun and fired one round at Solomon, striking him in the hand and neck.  The deputy administered first aid to Solomon until paramedics arrived and transported Solomon to the hospital.

As is customary when a law enforcement officer discharges a weapon in the city limits of Houston, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

JFC/JKS 8-17-20
Inc. #107748920

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3280.