Shootings in Custody: A Tragic Event at a Kingwood Hospital
Houston, TX – New details have emerged about the incident where a San Jacinto County deputy shot and killed a man in custody inside a Kingwood hospital room. The tragic event has left many questions unanswered and has sparked concern about the use of force in law enforcement.
What Happened?
According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), the incident began around 8:50 p.m. when Jarmar Brooks, 34, returned to his hospital room at HCA Houston Healthcare in Kingwood after a medical procedure. Brooks had been arrested on Sunday night on several felony charges, including aggravated family violence assault. Investigators said Brooks needed medical treatment before he would be booked at San Jacinto Co. jail.
The Fight Over a Gun
Once inside the room, Brooks, who was already handcuffed, asked the San Jacinto Co. deputy assigned to monitor him to "loosen his leg restraints." When the officer went to do so, police said Brooks grabbed the deputy’s collar on his outer vest. The officer tried to break free, investigators said, and create some distance, but Brooks got up.
The Use of Force
From there, police said the deputy took out his baton and hit Brooks several times "while issuing verbal commands for the suspect to stop." The report said Brooks "continued advancing and again grabbed the deputy by the collar of his outer vest." The deputy then fell, with Brooks "landing on top of the deputy." The fight over the gun ensued, with police saying Brooks "attempted to gain control of the deputy’s firearm and successfully grabbed the firearm." The fight continued with the officer "regaining control of his firearm" and shooting Brooks several times.
The Aftermath
The deputy notified dispatch and hospital staff immediately afterward, who "arrived promptly and began lifesaving measures" but to no avail. KPRC2 spoke with Brooks’ sister, Sherree Brooks, who rushed to the hospital Monday night after receiving a call from the doctor. She described the devastating news, saying, "He was telling us that we had a loved one. He’s been shot seven times and that’s all he was able to tell us. And they started CPR and that was it. I’m feeling terrible. I’m having mixed feelings."
Investigation and Response
The HPD’s Homicide Division is leading the investigation, assisted by the Texas Rangers, to present their findings to the Montgomery Co. District Attorney’s Office. The San Jacinto Co. Sheriff’s Office has offered condolences to the man’s family and asked for patience as the investigation unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: Brooks, who was already handcuffed, asked the deputy to loosen his leg restraints, leading to a physical altercation over a gun.
Q: How did the deputy respond?
A: The deputy took out his baton and hit Brooks several times, then fell, leading to a fight over the gun.
Q: What happened to Brooks?
A: Brooks was shot multiple times by the deputy.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The HPD’s Homicide Division is leading the investigation, assisted by the Texas Rangers, to present their findings to the Montgomery Co. District Attorney’s Office.
Q: What is the San Jacinto Co. Sheriff’s Office’s response?
A: The office has offered condolences to the man’s family and asked for patience as the investigation unfolds.
