Suspect shot by SJCO officers after threat

SJNT staff

SHEPHERD — A 40-year-old Shepherd man died after threatening police with a handgun in the early evening of May 22.

John Tapp died from gunshot wounds after confronting law enforcement officers.

Sheriff Greg Capers said that Tapp had been under the influence of illegal substances and had been “hollering about suicide by cop” throughout the day.

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Tapp had gotten into altercations with family members and twice had attempted to crash his vehicle, Capers said.

The San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office was notified; Capers said that when they showed up, suspect had weapon. The officers told Tapp to put down gun, which he did, but then grabbed another gun from his waistband, which the then swung around and pointed gun at officers, firing one round, Capers said.

At that time, Tapp was shot; he was taken to CHI St. Luke’s in Livingston where he was pronounced dead, Capers said.

The officers, who were not identified, were placed on administrative leave according to policy but are now back at work, Capers said.

The investigation was turned over to the Texas Rangers, who still are investigating.