Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 6, Texas
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Age: 57
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 26, 2008
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Corporal Harry Thielepape succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained almost one month earlier while arresting a suspect for possessing drugs and illegally possessing a handgun at the Chancellor Apartments at 311 Parramatta Lane.
The suspect had been handcuffed behind the back and placed in the backseat of Corporal Thielepape's patrol car. However, the man was able to move his handcuffed arms below his legs to the front of his body. When Corporal Thielepape opened the back door of the patrol car, a struggle ensued. The man gained control of one of Corporal Thielepape's two handguns and opened fire, hitting him several times.
Despite being critically wounded, Corporal Thielepape returned fire and killed the suspect.
Corporal Thielepape was transported to a local hospital where he remained until passing away without ever fully regaining consciousness.
Corporal Thielepape had served with the Harris County Precinct 6 Constable's Office for 12 years. He is survived by his son, two grandchildren, mother, and three sisters.