Watch CBS News

Driver Fatally Shoots Houston-Area Deputy Before Fleeing

HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — A driver shot and killed a Houston-area deputy during an early Sunday, January 23 morning traffic stop and then got back in his vehicle and drove off, authorities said.

Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap identified the slain deputy as Corporal Charles Galloway, 47, at a news conference.

Charles Galloway Fallen Constable
Corporal Charles Galloway was killed by a driver during a traffic stop on January 23. (credit: Ted Heap, Harris County Constable Precinct 5/Facebook)

Houston police will handle the investigation. Police Chief Troy Finner said witnesses saw a man get out of his vehicle and fire multiple shots at the deputy before driving off.

"This is senseless. It makes no sense whatsoever," Finner said. Heap added that Galloway had no time to respond or defend himself.

The suspect was not in custody. To the gunman, Finner said: "The best thing you can do is turn yourself in."

Galloway had been with the constable's office for about 12 and a half years, Heap said. The deputy mentored and trained numerous younger officers, who Heap said were "broken up" over the death.

"He was the one who was sitting in the front seat with them. He was the one that was teaching them what to do and how to get home safely to their families. And here we are this evening with the roles reversed," Heap said.

Galloway is survived by a daughter and a sister, Heap said.

(© Copyright 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.