America’s first Sikh deputy sheriff fatally ‘shot’ in Houston

Washington DC: America’s first Sikh police officer on Friday (local time) was shot dead in northwest Harris County in Houston.

Sandeep Dhaliwal was a 10-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and a father of three, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said at a press conference.

“He wore the turban, he represented his community with integrity, respect and pride and he was respected by all,” he added.

I’m sad to share with you that we’ve lost one of our own. Our @HCSOTexas was unable to recover from his injuries. There are no words to convey our sadness. Please keep his family and our agency in your prayers. #HouNews

— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) September 27, 2019

Dhaliwal was conducting a traffic stop, the sheriff said. There were two people in the vehicle. As Dhaliwal was headed back to his patrol car, Gonzalez said a man got out of the vehicle with a pistol.

“In a cold-blooded manner, ambush style, (he) shot Deputy Dhaliwal from behind,” CNN quoted Gonzalez as saying.

Robert Solis, 47, has been charged with the capital murder of Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal. #hounews pic.twitter.com/ZGOzfEXqcc

— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) September 28, 2019

Two people are currently in custody in connection with the shooting, the sheriff said, and a weapon was found that deputies believed was used to shoot Dhaliwal.

“It’s the worst day, the worst nightmare for any police executive,” Gonzalez said.

Community-led candlelight vigil was held tonight in honor of @HCSO_D5Patrol Deputy Dhaliwal. Please continue to keep his family & his @HCSOTexas family in your thoughts & prayers. Deputy Dhaliwal was LOVED by this community. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/oD7M78RXxm

— Major Mike Lee (@HCSOPatrol) September 28, 2019

“This guy had a heart of gold, he treated his brothers and sisters in law enforcement as if they were just brothers and sisters. He thought of them before he thought of himself. He thought of the broader community before he thought of himself,” said Adrian Garcia, Harris County police commissioner.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, released a statement on Friday, saying “this tragic loss is a grave reminder of the risks that our law enforcement officers face every single day.”

“I thank the officers who bravely responded to apprehend the suspect, and I assure you that the state of Texas is committed to bringing this killer to justice,” Abbott said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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