LAKE JACKSON, TX – A Brazoria County sheriff’s deputy has been terminated following a week-long investigation into the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Texas State University freshman John Mendoza Jr.
Traffic Stop Escalates To Fatal Shooting
The incident began just after midnight on Monday, June 1, when Deputy Kevin Tippit attempted a traffic stop on the outskirts of Lake Jackson. According to the sheriff’s office, Mendoza allegedly fled the scene, leading Tippit on a brief 1.3-mile pursuit.
The pursuit ended at Mendoza’s home, where the teen parked inside his attached garage and stepped out of his vehicle. Deputy Tippit approached Mendoza and discharged his firearm, striking the teenager. Mendoza was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Policy Violations Lead To Termination
Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman announced the immediate termination of Deputy Tippit on Tuesday. Stallman cited clear policy violations regarding the handling and discharging of a firearm.
“The authority that is entrusted to law enforcement officers is extraordinary,” Sheriff Stallman stated. “With that authority comes a responsibility to exercise sound judgment, follow policy and uphold the standards that are expected by this profession.”
The sheriff clarified that this employment decision was independent of the ongoing criminal investigation.
Family Demands Answers and Accountability
Mendoza’s family, who stated the teen was driving home from a nearby park, is calling for justice and transparency. The victim’s sister, Allyson Mendoza, claimed that the deputy opened fire “without warning or direction” and alleged that paramedics took 20 minutes to arrive on the scene.
Mendoza was a freshman studying management at Texas State University in San Marcos.
Criminal Investigation Underway
The Texas Rangers have taken the lead on the criminal investigation, collaborating with the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office.
Criminal District Attorney Tom Selleck stated that the full case will be presented to a grand jury for review once forensic testing is complete. The investigation is expected to take several months.
