HOUSTON — A manhunt is underway for the gunman who shot and killed a Houston police sergeant near a motel off I-45 North.
Sgt. Sean Rios, a 47-year-old HPD veteran, ran into the Taj Inn & Suites for help but he died in the lobby.
Police say Sgt. Rios was inside a black Kia and on his way to work when someone fired several shots into his vehicle. Police Chief Art Acevedo said Sgt. Rios returned fire but it’s not clear if the suspect was hit.
Witnesses told police the gunman fired multiple shots from across the street in a blue four-door Mercedes, which police believe they’ve found. Acevedo said they think someone picked up the suspect in a black pickup.
“We are going to catch you, we are coming after you, we’re gonna capture you. Do yourself a favor and turn yourself in,” Acevedo said.
Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male in his mid-to-late 30s, around 5’10 to 6’1 with a thin build. He has tattoos on both arms and was wearing a white t-shirt and dark pants.
The shooting happened around 1:30 p.m. in the 7700 block of I-45 North near Stuebner Airline and West Canino Road.
Police still don’t know what led to it but they say they have some leads.
Sgt. Rios is survived by four children, ages 9, 12, 14 and 17, and his parents and his brother. He also has two cousins who are HPD detectives.
“Our hearts are broken,” Acevedo tweeted. “We will never forget him and will see his 4 children, family and friends through this painful loss. RIP.”
“I’m going to ask this city to pray for Sgt. Rios’ family, for his children, for his parents,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a news conference.
He also asked for prayers for the Houston Police Department. They’ve lost four officers this year.
“They are in a great deal of pain right now,” the mayor said. “This is a tragic case and it’s been a really rough year in our city.”
Our hearts are broken over the death of @houstonpolice Sergeant Sean Rios who was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire this afternnon. We will never forget him and will see his 4 children, family and friends through this painful loss. RIP pic.twitter.com/QBHx2bymWY
— Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) November 10, 2020
Sgt. Rios had been with HPD for 25 years.
This is the third fatal shooting of a Houston law enforcement officer in less than three weeks.
WFAA
There’s a reason for this, and they know it
some of us do too
Wait is was this Sargent in the military? Captain, Lt, Colonel, Chief big wampum..!
Ridiculous…
Did your heart break for the Tuttles who were murdered by HPD in their house for NO reason!?
Katie, I thank you for remembering the Tuttles, they were horrifically murdered for no reason. I will never forget them. May they RIP.
Your’e welcome.
BAM!
X2
‘ Do yourself a favor and turn yourself in,” Acevedo said.’ Run Forrest run!