Deputy shot an unarmed teen within 7 seconds of exiting his car without issuing a command, attorney says
A Texas deputy, identified as Kevin Tippit, was fired June 9 in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old college freshman earlier this month.
The news was announced by Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman, who confirmed that his “decision is entirely independent of the ongoing criminal investigation” and “should not be interpreted as a conclusion regarding criminal liability.”
Deputy Fired for “Policy Violations” and “Discharge of Firearm”
In a video statement, Stallman said Tippit was terminated for “policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm.”
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded on June 1, 2026, when, at approximately 12:09 a.m., a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle near FM 2004 and This Way Street in Lake Jackson.
However, the vehicle failed to stop and fled from the deputy, prompting him to follow the vehicle, which later entered the attached garage of a residence located in the 100 block of Indian Warrior Trail in Lake Jackson.
Upon encountering the driver, the teenager, identified as John Mendoza Jr., was shot by the deputy, resulting in injuries to the driver. He was later rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In a June 5 statement cited by People, attorney Charles Adams, who represents Mendoza’s family and estate, said that on June 1, a group of four young adults, including Mendoza, went to a park to walk the walking track and catch up when Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol pulled over to watch them.
As another police vehicle joined, the boys decided to leave “because of the law enforcement scrutiny, that they were breaking a rule or the law by being at the park late in the evening.”
The group, which the attorney said included three Black and one Latino young man, returned to Mendoza’s car and left as Tippit followed them.
According to footage from neighboring security cameras, Tippit exited his patrol car and fatally shot John within 7 seconds “without issuing any directives or commands.”
The attorney called for the release of all relevant audio and video recordings of the incident and interactions before the shooting and arrest of Deputy Tippit. According to Adams, he was told by the Texas Rangers that the teen was unarmed.
Meanwhile, in the above-mentioned statement, Stallman acknowledged the deceased teenager’s family and friends, stating:
“Your family lost a son. Friends lost someone they loved. Regardless of any outcome of any investigation, your family’s loss is permanent, and your grief is real. I cannot begin to understand the pain your family is experiencing, but I want you to know that your loss is seen and that John Mendoza Jr. will not be forgotten. My prayers remain with you as your family continues to navigate this unimaginable tragedy. I also want to speak directly to the people of Brazoria County,” he said.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation into the incident and that the “district attorney’s office and the grand jury will ultimately determine what legal actions are appropriate based on the facts and the evidence developed through the investigation.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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