LAKE JACKSON, Texas – Kevin Tippit, the former deputy involved in the fatal shooting of John Mendoza Jr. in Lake Jackson has been arrested and charged, according to court records.
The shooting happened shortly after midnight on June 1, when a deputy, identified as Tippit, followed Mendoza Jr. into his father’s garage after an attempted traffic stop and fired his weapon during an encounter. Dispatch audio later referenced an “accidental discharge.”
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According to a search warrant, investigators sought a forensic examination of Tippit’s Glock 19X handgun as part of the criminal investigation.
The affidavit states investigators had probable cause to investigate possible offenses, including:
- Manslaughter
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Aggravated assault by a public servant
Body camera details
According to the affidavit, Tippit initially attempted to stop a red Dodge Challenger for a traffic violation near Oyster Creek Drive and FM 2004.
Investigators say Mendoza Jr. fled, reaching speeds of about 120 mph and running six red lights before pulling into the garage of a home on Indian Warrior Trail.
The Texas Ranger wrote that after reviewing Tippit’s body camera, investigators observed Tippit enter the garage, approach the driver’s side door, draw his handgun and fire a shot through the driver’s side window into the passenger compartment.
After opening the driver’s door, investigators say Tippit realized the driver, later identified as Mendoza, had been struck.
The affidavit says Tippit then radioed dispatch that he had experienced an “accidental discharge” and reported that one man was bleeding. The Ranger wrote that, based on his training and experience, he understood Tippit to be referring to his firearm unintentionally discharging.
Investigators say Tippit immediately began providing lifesaving aid until emergency responders arrived.
A custodial death report submitted by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office says Mendoza died from a gunshot wound to his left upper extremity that entered his torso.
The report classifies the manner of death as homicide, identifies law enforcement personnel as the cause of death and lists the weapon as a handgun.
Norman Giles, the outside attorney representing Brazoria County and the district attorney’s office, told KPRC 2 that the language used in the custodial death report came from preset drop-down menu options and was not intended to paint a particular narrative.
According to the search warrant affidavit, investigators recovered a spent 9mm casing inside the garage and seized Tippit’s Glock handgun.
The warrant sought a forensic examination to determine whether the firearm functioned properly, whether it fired the casing and bullet recovered during the investigation, and whether any mechanical issues contributed to the shooting.
Charles Adams, who represents Mendoza’s father and his son’s estate, criticized both documents and said he believes the evidence supports a murder charge rather than the offenses listed in the affidavit.
Sheriff Bo Stallman announced Tippit was fired due to policy violations last month via social media.
Sheriff Stallman released the following statement after the charge was filed:
“As a result of the June 1st officer-involved shooting, I requested the investigation be conducted by the Texas Rangers. I have full confidence in the Rangers and trusted the outcome would follow the facts and evidence wherever they led.
“Based upon the indictment, Kevin Tippit was arrested and booked into the Brazoria County Detention Center where he will remain until he posts bail, or a court orders otherwise. Currently, Tippit is being held on a charge of Aggravated Assault by Public Servant, a first-degree felony.
“This indictment carries heavy emotion. John Jr. was a young man who was well-loved and had his whole life in front of him. He should still be here with his family.
“My experience with Tippit has been that he is a good man, who worked very hard to do a good job for our team and our community.
“There is no doubt this incident had devastating consequences. As Sheriff, there is nothing more important to me than our citizens trusting law enforcement professionals are doing their very best to serve them every day. I want our citizens to know we do our best to be, and to employ, individuals who care deeply for our community.
“I urge everyone to keep the families in your prayers, and I want everyone in our community to know my Office remains committed to accountability and supporting the legal process. I understand the need for answers and accountability, so I would like to thank our community for their continued patience and understanding as this process moves forward.”