According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle around 12:09 AM. on June 1 near FM 2004 and This Way Street in Lake Jackson. Authorities say the vehicle did not stop, leading to a pursuit.
The Sheriff’s Office states the pursuit ended when the vehicle entered the attached garage of a home in the 100 block of Indian Warrior Trail. During an encounter with the driver, the deputy discharged his firearm. The driver, identified by family members as 18-year-old John Mendoza, was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Family members say John was a student at Texas State University who was home for the summer at the time of the incident.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office has requested assistance from the Texas Rangers, who will lead the investigation alongside the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The family of the young man was at the scene and shared video. Family members state that paramedics were delayed in reaching Mendoza because law enforcement vehicles were blocking access to the roadway. The video shows what the scene looked like.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional information has been released at this time.
