The Bellaire Police Department released a social media post honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of Sgt. Jimmie Norman, who was killed in the line of duty on Christmas Eve in 2012.
The Facebook post was shared Wednesday morning, on the 13th anniversary of Sgt. Norman’s passing.
Sgt. Norman, 53, was killed during a shooting after a suspect stopped his car during a police pursuit and began firing. The shooting also claimed the life of Terry Taylor, 66, the owner of a car service shop in Bellaire.
He was a married father-of-two and a 24-year veteran at the Bellaire PD at the time of his passing.
The department remembered Sgt. Norman for his “courage, dedication, and commitment” to protecting the Bellaire community, calling his service a reflection of “the very best of what it means to wear the badge.”
More than a decade after the tragedy, the Bellaire Police Department said Sgt. Norman’s legacy continues to live on through the lives he touched.
The department also asked the public to keep Norman’s family, friends, and fellow officers in their thoughts as they remember his legacy and ultimate sacrifice.
Background of the Tragedy
On Christmas Eve of 2012, investigators said the shooting happened around 8:55 a.m. at a Maaco auto body shop on Bellaire Boulevard near Alder Drive.
According to police, Sgt. Norman was pursuing a suspect when both vehicles entered the parking lot.
Sgt. Norman approached the suspect’s vehicle and started wrestling with the suspect in the driver’s seat, attempting to get him to surrender as he refused to cooperate. The suspect grabbed a handgun from his vehicle and opened fire.
Taylor was fatally shot after walking out of his business, reportedly to help the officer. Police said he died instantly.
Sgt. Norman was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died a short time later. Authorities said he did not exchange gunfire with the suspect.
The suspect was wounded after being shot by other responding officers in further gunfire exchanges. He fled the scene on foot but was later found hiding behind a nearby building.
The Aftermath of the Murder
The shooter was identified as Harlem Harold Lewis III, who was 21 at the time of the murders.
On July 18, 2014, Lewis was found guilty of capital murder. Several days later, a Harris County jury unanimously sentenced him to death. Now at age 34, he remains on death row today.
READ MORE: Man convicted of killing Bellaire police officer sentenced to death
Family members described Sgt. Norman as a devoted husband and loving father who was a hero to their community. His brother-in-law said he took great pride in his work and always tried to do what was right for the citizens he served.
Following his death, Sgt. Norman was posthumously promoted from corporal to sergeant. He was the first Bellaire police officer killed in the line of duty.
The memorial service for Sgt. Norman was held at Houston’s First Baptist Church, with law enforcement agencies from across Texas in attendance. He was later laid to rest at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
Taylor was remembered in a separate ceremony at Klein Funeral Home.