Full Notification

March 26, 2018 – An internal review of the March 22 deputy-involved shooting of Danny Ray Thomas is moving forward.

“We hold the public’s trust as sacred, and we know that this trust must be earned every single day,” Sheriff Gonzalez said. “I will personally see to it that our investigation is conducted fairly, thoroughly, and expeditiously.”

Deputy Cameron Brewer was on patrol, driving southbound on Imperial Valley when he reached the intersection of Greens Road at 12:51 p.m. on March 22. At this point, Deputy Brewer observed a physical altercation between Thomas, a 34-year-old man who was on foot, and the driver of another vehicle that stopped near the intersection on Greens Road. Deputy Brewer’s dash camera video shows that he exited his vehicle and ordered Thomas to stop and get on the ground. Thomas’ pants were down at his ankles.

Thomas did not comply with the deputy’s repeated verbal commands, and he continued advancing toward Deputy Brewer, who had drawn his gun. The deputy was also equipped with a Taser. Deputy Brewer fired one shot from his weapon, fatally wounding Thomas. Thomas was unarmed.

Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs investigators have reviewed multiple witness videos of the March 22 incident, and the deputy’s dash camera video. None of the videos viewed so far include images of the actual shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office internal investigation has determined that Deputy Brewer had been issued a body-worn camera less than two hours before the shooting. The camera’s battery was charging in the deputy’s vehicle and the camera was not in use. Nearly 400 deputies have been issued body-worn cameras and received training on their use this year. By May, all patrol deputies are expected to be wearing the devices.

Deputy Brewer joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in June 2016. He has seven total years of law enforcement experience. The deputy is on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Policies and training on the use of non-lethal and lethal force -- particularly with suspects who may be in the throes of a mental health episode -- are being thoroughly reviewed.

Anyone with information regarding this deputy-involved shooting is urged to contact the Houston Police Department, which is conducting an independent criminal investigation into the incident. Once concluded, the findings of that investigation will be forwarded to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Video link:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cvwgywyi1inlgpr/Deputy%20Cameron%20Brewer%20Dash%20Camera%20Video.wmv?dl=0