Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas - Brazoria County Sheriff's Office - Texas

On January 15, 2025, the great State of Texas lost two officers in separate incidents.  One of those offices was Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas (Brazoria County Sheriff's Office) who was shot and killed while serving a warrant at Stella Link Road north of Interstate 610 in Houston at 11:30 a.m.

Deputy Vargas and his partner approached the suspsect at which time the suspect fired at deputies from his vehicle. Deputy Vargas was transported to the Ben Taub Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect, who was a repeat violent offender, fled the scene. When a U.S. Marshals Service canine located the suspect hiding in a dumpster, the suspect fired multiple shots at the K9. A responding officer returned fire, killing the suspect.

The canine suffered two bullet wounds to the neck and nose and is in stable condition.

In a statement by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, they stated that Deputy Jesus "Jesse" Vargas was more than a team member—he was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. His professionalism and kind nature left a lasting impact on our office and the residents he served.

Deputy Vargas had served with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. He also served with the United States Marshal's Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Our prayers and condolences to Deputy Vargas' family, friends, colleagues, and the community of Brazoria County.