Officer James D. Harris
Houston Police Department
Texas
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 13, 1982
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available

Officer Harris was shot and killed when he stopped a vehicle after receiving complaints from a citizen that the vehicle had tried to run him down. Officer Harris ordered the two men to place their hands on the hood of the car. One of the men gave the other man a 9 mm handgun and the man then opened fired on Officer Harris, striking him three times. The suspect then shot and killed a bystander as both men fled the scene.

The other suspect was shot and killed a short time later after seriously wounding another officer. The shooter was arrested and convicted of capital murder. The conviction was overturned and he was released but died in an automobile accident shortly after returning to Mexico.

Officer Harris had been with the agency for five years.