Harris County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Tuesday, May 22, 2001
Joseph Norman Dennis
Deputy Joseph Dennis was shot and killed by a suspect after responding to a domestic disturbance between a brother and sister.
The brother had taken the sister's car the previous night and had returned it with damage the next morning. Deputy Dennis encountered the suspect several blocks away and while attempting to arrest him, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Deputy Dennis was able to get a handcuff on the suspect, but the man was able to grab a concealed handgun and shot Deputy Dennis in the head. Deputy Dennis was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested later in the afternoon with the handcuff still on his wrist and Deputy Dennis' weapon in his possession.
The suspect was sentenced to death for the murder on December 6, 2001. On January 29, 2008, the suspect committed suicide in his cell while awaiting his execution date.
Deputy Dennis had been employed with the Harris County Sheriff's Department for 14 years, and is survived by his wife, who is also a deputy, a son, a daughter, and his parents.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 14 years
- Badge 2062
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 118 ReflectionsMr. Joe was my neighbor when his life was tragically lost in the line of duty in May 2001. I was almost 11 years old and still think about him often. He was a great man and always so kind to my siblings and I. We visited the Texas Peace Officers Memorial in Austin today where I found his name. God bless him and his family.
Kristin Reesor Kelley
Neighbor and Friend
April 7, 2018
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