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Bullets fly as drivers seek cover
  
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By Jamie Nash
SOUTH COUNTY – Lisa Barriclow had a morning she’ll never forget.
She was southbound on Honea Egypt in her Dodge Ram pickup Monday when she saw a black car approaching with police vehicles in pursuit.
“The next thing I knew, the car went up under my truck and they were shooting,” Barriclow said. “I leaned over in my seat and I just started praying.”
Barriclow was one of several witnesses to the shootout at the intersection of FM 1488 and Honea Eygpt Road that left one man dead and three passengers wounded. A medical helicopter flew one critically wounded female passenger to Houston.
A ground ambulance transported the other two passengers – one male and one female – to a local hospital. Their injuries were not life threatening, law enforcement officials said.
Gunfire erupted around 10:30 a.m. when members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit converged on the black Ford Mustang driven by a wanted felon, MSCO spokesman Lt. Rand Henderson said.
“The suspect was a known drug abuser, violent, believed to be carrying a weapon and had evaded arrest on several occasions,” Henderson said.
Officers followed the suspect from a location outside of Montgomery to the intersection, where a “takedown” was initiated, Henderson said.
“At that time, the suspect failed to comply with the officers’ commands and opened fire on the investigators using a handgun as he attempted to evade the roadblock,” he said. “The officers then opened fire.”
The suspect was struck, resulting in his death at the scene, Henderson said. Names of the suspect and the three passengers were withheld by the Sheriff’s Office.
Henderson said it was too early in the investigation to determine how many rounds were fired.
“No officers were injured,” he said.
Nor was Barriclow.
A short time after her vehicle was struck by the Mustang, a deputy approached and asked Barriclow if she was OK, she said. With shots still firing, she ran from the truck and hid behind a large pole. Then she noticed another woman who was the driver of a van that had stopped just behind the crash.
“She was on the ground, kneeling and crying,” Barriclow said.
Barriclow said she wanted to run over and comfort the woman but was afraid for her own safety. The other woman was not injured, Barriclow said.
Damon Merka, of Magnolia, who stopped to avoid the MCSO vehicles, also witnessed the shootout.
“At first, I thought someone was confused by the new highway lanes being constructed,” he said. “But then I saw officers with guns getting out of all these vehicles and firing at the Mustang.
“I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew enough to stay out of their way.”
Henderson said the incident was under investigation by the Texas Rangers and MCSO detectives, with cooperation from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
“This is standard in an officer-involved shooting,” he said.
Because of the suspect’s alleged violent history, a group of officers followed him in both marked and unmarked vehicles, Henderson said. The law enforcement team consisted of uniformed deputies and plain-clothes detectives, who wore vests with distinguishable law enforcement markings, he said.
She was southbound on Honea Egypt in her Dodge Ram pickup Monday when she saw a black car approaching with police vehicles in pursuit.
“The next thing I knew, the car went up under my truck and they were shooting,” Barriclow said. “I leaned over in my seat and I just started praying.”
Barriclow was one of several witnesses to the shootout at the intersection of FM 1488 and Honea Eygpt Road that left one man dead and three passengers wounded. A medical helicopter flew one critically wounded female passenger to Houston.
A ground ambulance transported the other two passengers – one male and one female – to a local hospital. Their injuries were not life threatening, law enforcement officials said.
Gunfire erupted around 10:30 a.m. when members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit converged on the black Ford Mustang driven by a wanted felon, MSCO spokesman Lt. Rand Henderson said.
“The suspect was a known drug abuser, violent, believed to be carrying a weapon and had evaded arrest on several occasions,” Henderson said.
Officers followed the suspect from a location outside of Montgomery to the intersection, where a “takedown” was initiated, Henderson said.
“At that time, the suspect failed to comply with the officers’ commands and opened fire on the investigators using a handgun as he attempted to evade the roadblock,” he said. “The officers then opened fire.”
The suspect was struck, resulting in his death at the scene, Henderson said. Names of the suspect and the three passengers were withheld by the Sheriff’s Office.
Henderson said it was too early in the investigation to determine how many rounds were fired.
“No officers were injured,” he said.
Nor was Barriclow.
A short time after her vehicle was struck by the Mustang, a deputy approached and asked Barriclow if she was OK, she said. With shots still firing, she ran from the truck and hid behind a large pole. Then she noticed another woman who was the driver of a van that had stopped just behind the crash.
“She was on the ground, kneeling and crying,” Barriclow said.
Barriclow said she wanted to run over and comfort the woman but was afraid for her own safety. The other woman was not injured, Barriclow said.
Damon Merka, of Magnolia, who stopped to avoid the MCSO vehicles, also witnessed the shootout.
“At first, I thought someone was confused by the new highway lanes being constructed,” he said. “But then I saw officers with guns getting out of all these vehicles and firing at the Mustang.
“I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew enough to stay out of their way.”
Henderson said the incident was under investigation by the Texas Rangers and MCSO detectives, with cooperation from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
“This is standard in an officer-involved shooting,” he said.
Because of the suspect’s alleged violent history, a group of officers followed him in both marked and unmarked vehicles, Henderson said. The law enforcement team consisted of uniformed deputies and plain-clothes detectives, who wore vests with distinguishable law enforcement markings, he said.
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Reader Comments
Rainman wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:40 AM:
" "Why though, if they followed this person for 15-20 miles, was he confronted at one of the busiest intersections in the county?"
I recon that's where he crashed his car and came out shooting.... "
I recon that's where he crashed his car and came out shooting.... "
suejacques wrote on Oct 14, 2008 9:47 AM:
" I recommend the officers on doing a fantastic job. However a little more tactfullness could have been applied since they had this character under surveillance for a while. We as hunman beings dare not put innocent lives at risk physically or emotionally in pursuit of capture. "
Itsnix wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:25 AM:
" Rainman, I would agree with you 100% except this is where they decided to set the roadblock. My point was that there would have been a lot more areas that would not have been such a busy intersection. The artlcle indicates that the felon has a history of fleeing and they knew he was probably armed. Common sense should tell them that he would attempt to get away and possibly start shooting. The thing with bullets is that they don't always end up where they are aimed. There were also three other people in the car that were injured. I do not assume who they are, but hopefully the officers also knew these people and did not put their lives in jepardy by their actions. "
cmprjn wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:05 AM:
" The article doesn't say if the "roadblock" was set up by the officers or due to the accident or construction, traffic....any number of things. Give the officers a break. Are they supposed to stop pursuing known felons when they decide to go into congested areas. Wow! What an easy way to get away. "
confused1971 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 11:56 AM:
" I respect that the police feel that they did what they needed to, however knowing the people in the car the story that is told by the papers is not the whole story. eye witness the viewed everything have since contacted me since the one that was killed happens to be my brother they want me to know what they saw. If he was such a bad person let me ask you this when he was released from the Mississippui jail with the same charges why did they let him out of jail instead of a transfer back to Texas. I was told because it would cost Texas too much money. My brother was known to deal with drugs and he did have guns in his home that he needed permits for I wanted him to be in jail so I know he would be alive. I just hope after the families of these 4 people investigate I hope that we find these facts to be truthful. Non the less I believe that he is in a better place for him. My heart goes out to the other people in the car. For my brother I love you!!!! "
confused1971 wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:33 PM:
" I also wanted to tell Lisa and the other lady that my heart goes out to you I can not imagine what you felt. I am so sorry that because of my brother you felt this fear. I can not and will not make an excuse for his actions on this day please know the person you know and the brother I grew up with has to be 2 different people! Please again know that I am sooo sorry. "
countryprincess wrote on Oct 14, 2008 12:51 PM:
" I applaud the officers. That's one less useless piece of society that my tax dollars have to support in prison. To confused1971.....I am sorry that you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, BUT from what I understand from the story, and what you had posted, he has been in and out of trouble for some time and obviously jail didn't help straighten him up. Otherwise there wouldn't have been a shoot out. My thoughts are with you on your loss, but I support the method the officers took. "
MocoMomTOO wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:26 PM:
" Everyone, please remember...law enforcement does set the tone. If a weapon is displayed then law enforcement must respond to protect everyone even if the situation is a dire as this one appeared to be with so many innocent lives in the area. This person made the choice to run (evade/pursuit), choice to endanger everyone's lives in his vehicle, choice to wreck into an innocent civilian's vehicle, choice to carry and brandish a weapon at law enforcement (I was not there and do not know who fired the first shot, but even if law enforcement fired first it was due to deadly force being used against them and to protect the public and themselves.) A thorough investigation is being and will be done by not only the Sheriff's Dept., but the Texas Rangers are, by policy, always involved in an incident such as this. If we weren't there we do not know all that led up to this horrific situation. "
jennfkerr wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:30 PM:
" This is really scary! I was at this intersection about an hour before this all happened! "
sup2me wrote on Oct 14, 2008 5:18 PM:
" And by the way, I knew the guy for awhile and he was never violent in the least bit. I am glad that the article mentioned "alleged violent history" and didn't print it as though it were fact. I don't know the circumstances surrounding this incident, but the guy I knew was easy-going, friendly and a generally very nice person. It is a shame and a waste that a young life is so abruptly and tragically over. "
praying4u wrote on Oct 14, 2008 8:30 PM:
" For the family of the victim: I am praying for your family. It's tragic enough to lose someone you love without having other people try to trash them. You know him better than anyone else. Always remember the good times you have all had with him and be thankful for the years you were blessed to be together. "
RightsRight wrote on Oct 15, 2008 4:58 AM:
" I knew the "suspect/victim" and to his family.....he was a REFRESHINGLY generoous, kind & sincere person. He ws a generally kind & generous person who DID always have a kind word. I have never seen him aggressive much less violent so yes, the use of the term "alleged violent history" was appropriate & appreciated. I would like clarification on a few "facts" of the situation, however, as they are unclear.
Prior to them being "followed/harrassed", were the victims previous whereabouts known did the fact there were, at LEAST A MINIMUM OF 3 "INNOCENT" PASSENGERS N CAR? God knows you didn't identify EACH PASSENGER, KIDS? WHO KNOWS? (U KNOW THE phrase im thinkiing of (who cares! NOT MHSO!! (2 TACKY 2 SAY)
How is it that the law "came to be following" the targets car? did he swerve and catch your attention? were you investigating the subjects home in which he was at then decide to follow visitors? the answer does determine the direction of this story w/relation to the end result. also, prior to taking such drastic & in my mind, IRRESPONSIBLE ACTION BY POLICE how is it that you positively identified victim? by sight, at a distance? by registration of vehicle? (wasnt registered in his name, so I wouldn't think so.....best guess is you came down 149 to FM 1488 (LOCATION OUTSIDE MONTGOMERY) OR COME UP honea Egypt to FM 1488 THEN toward 45/The Woodlands? just curious as YES, THAT IS THE BUSIEST INTERSECTION ON 1488 w/exception of 242' "
Prior to them being "followed/harrassed", were the victims previous whereabouts known did the fact there were, at LEAST A MINIMUM OF 3 "INNOCENT" PASSENGERS N CAR? God knows you didn't identify EACH PASSENGER, KIDS? WHO KNOWS? (U KNOW THE phrase im thinkiing of (who cares! NOT MHSO!! (2 TACKY 2 SAY)
How is it that the law "came to be following" the targets car? did he swerve and catch your attention? were you investigating the subjects home in which he was at then decide to follow visitors? the answer does determine the direction of this story w/relation to the end result. also, prior to taking such drastic & in my mind, IRRESPONSIBLE ACTION BY POLICE how is it that you positively identified victim? by sight, at a distance? by registration of vehicle? (wasnt registered in his name, so I wouldn't think so.....best guess is you came down 149 to FM 1488 (LOCATION OUTSIDE MONTGOMERY) OR COME UP honea Egypt to FM 1488 THEN toward 45/The Woodlands? just curious as YES, THAT IS THE BUSIEST INTERSECTION ON 1488 w/exception of 242' "
cmprjn wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:01 AM:
" To Rightsright--wow, you sure have a problem with law enforcement!! I'm sure they took the time to make a positive identification. In any case, the suspect (according to reports) was the first to start shooting. It's always a tragedy for the family when someone dies but the victims brother/sister (Confused1971) stated they wished he was in jail. If they had gotten with law enforcement and set up some kind of peaceful arrest this may could have been avoided. Again, to confused1971, my heart goes out to you because have lost a loved one and no amount of hindsight or what-ifs can change the loss you are feeling. "
rainman wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:34 AM:
" WrongsWrong.....Refreshingly generous? What did he share his dope with you?
If you read the article, a Special Investigations Unit was involved. That makes it highly likely that the suspect was under INVESTIGATION prior to the event, at least that's the way I read INVESTIGATION. On what planet does it say that you can only tail a person if they are driving the car that is registered to them? You have no concept of reality.
A criminal can choose to be arrested, or the criminal can pull a gun and get in a shootout. While it would have been a panicea of great fortune for this to happen in the middle of nowhere in a field surrounded by a dirt berm, the suspect did not choose that. HE chose the events, the place, and the outcome. I'd like to see a toxicology report on everybody in the vehicle. I'd bet a cheeseburger and a rootbeer that meth is involved. Call me cynicle, but this thing reeks of it.
I will guarantee you that ANY law enforcement officer would rather arrest somebody peacefully than get into a shootout. Cowboys out of hand? Sounds funny coming from a poster whose name includes a reference to Quaalude (714) an illegal drug. "
If you read the article, a Special Investigations Unit was involved. That makes it highly likely that the suspect was under INVESTIGATION prior to the event, at least that's the way I read INVESTIGATION. On what planet does it say that you can only tail a person if they are driving the car that is registered to them? You have no concept of reality.
A criminal can choose to be arrested, or the criminal can pull a gun and get in a shootout. While it would have been a panicea of great fortune for this to happen in the middle of nowhere in a field surrounded by a dirt berm, the suspect did not choose that. HE chose the events, the place, and the outcome. I'd like to see a toxicology report on everybody in the vehicle. I'd bet a cheeseburger and a rootbeer that meth is involved. Call me cynicle, but this thing reeks of it.
I will guarantee you that ANY law enforcement officer would rather arrest somebody peacefully than get into a shootout. Cowboys out of hand? Sounds funny coming from a poster whose name includes a reference to Quaalude (714) an illegal drug. "
mbx1 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 10:37 AM:
" Whether he was a good guy or a bad guy, MCSO was following him for a reason. They don't typically send a task force after honest, law-abiding citizens. I suspect that the average person, when confronted by numerous law enforcement officers (in marked and unmarked cars) pointing weapons in their direction and shouting orders to comply, would ACTUALLY follow the officer's commands. This man not only failed to comply, he opened fire on the officers. Lets not be so quick to point our fingers at the officers and say shame, shame. The "suspect" could have short-handed the entire process by pulling over, stepping out of the vehicle with his hands up, and "going quietly". I'm sure many people are saddened by the outcome, but the outcome was a result of his choice, not the officer's. I think MCSO did a pretty good job. For this to be the busiest intersection in Montgomery County, it seems to me that all their bullets ended up in the area they intended for them to go. They didn't run around waving their guns and shouting "Yee Haw" and firing in all directinos. All of you people who criticize these men and women who put themselves in jeapordy every day for you should be ashamed. In your hour of need you won't hesitate to call them to make that sacrifice for you. "
mbx1 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:09 AM:
" By the way, in my book, this guy also has a degree of responsiblility in the deaths of the Channel 13 pilot and photographer. They were flying to the scene to cover his "antics". No chase or shootout = no news story. "
praying4u wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:07 PM:
" My prayers are also with the families of the pilot and photographer but whether they were on their way to this news story or another, it unfortunately probably would have ended up the same way. A bullet didn't bring down that helicopter, it was another unfortunate problem. I am amazed at how cruel people are being. Families have lost someone they love. It doesn't matter how it came to be, the fact is these people love this man. They are grieving and everyone is taking "popshots" at him and it seems very unfair. If everyone was to look around their own family, I'll bet they could find someone who is not so perfect too. God Bless all the families involved with both of these tragedies. "
mbx1 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:28 PM:
" To Praying4u: Maybe the helicopter accident would have happened, maybe it wouldn't. We'll never know. But now they're gone, too. What happened is tragic. I find it hard to swallow that people are blaming the officers for endangering the lives of "everyone", including the people in the vehicle with the suspect. Why aren't they blaming him for endangering the lives of the people in the car with him? Why aren't they blaming him for endangering people in the "busiest intersection in Montgomery County"? I too am amazed at how cruel some people can be, but in my world that includes the suspect. I am terribly sorry for his family and what he's put them through. But let's be honest...his actions, his consequences, and everyone suffers from the fallout. I worked, as a civilian, for MCSO for more than 10 years. There is very little they take more seriously than an officer involved shooting. I was proud to work with them then, and I'm proud of them still. Folks want to complain about too much crime, then they want to complain about how the officers do their job. If you think you can do it better, go through the Academy, get certified, and put your life on the line for people you've never met. They'll sacrifice their lives for you, Rightsright, and you, rduke714, and everyone else who criticizes and disrespects them. You have absolutely NO idea how lucky you are to have them out there! "
mkv001 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:34 PM:
" I am amazed at the ignorance that people show when making statements on this website. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for the people in the car with them whether anyone on this blog want to take that responsibility is another story. If you are driving and you shoot at officers more than likely you are going to loose and everyone in the car with you are going to be put in harms way. My suggestion is that no one get in the car with a known drug dealer and then you don't have to worry about being put in this situation. You know the old saying "Birds of a feather flock together". I hope that is not the case here but usually you know the person that you are riding with and I certainly don't see myself climbing in the car with a known drug dealer! I hope that everyone reading this will make good choices for yourself and for your children. To the brother.........my prayers go out to you and your family.....I too have lived through siblings making terrible choices and getting themselves in really bad situations. They weren't raised that way.....they choose to be that way. Best of luck to you and your parents! This is going to be a long road and you have to find strength in God to get you down it! "
Itsnix wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:56 AM: