[cop414]

Deputy Constable Kareem Atkins was shot and killed from ambush today while arresting a robbery suspect in the parking lot of a sports bar at 4477 North Freeway in Houston.

He and two other deputy constables were working a secondary employment assignment at the restaurant when a patron informed them of a robbery in the parking lot. Deputy Atkins and one of the other deputies responded to the location and were taking a suspect into custody when another man opened fire on them from behind with an AR-15 rifle. Deputy Atkins was struck in the head and fatally wounded while the second deputy was shot in the back and seriously wounded.

The third deputy heard the shots and was wounded as he rushed to assist the others. Deputy Atkins was transported to a Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A person of interest was taken into custody.

Deputy Constable Atkins has served with the Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 4 for 2-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife and 6-month-old child.

Godspeed Constable Atkins, may you Rest In Peace.