Investigators Call Harris County Deputy Shooting, "A Hit"

BAYTOWN, TX -- Investigators are calling the shooting death of a Harris County Precinct 3 Deputy Constable outside the Harris County Courthouse in Baytown an ambush.

Asst. Chief Deputy Clinton Greenwood, a law enforcement veteran with more than 30 years experience, was gunned down as he arrived for work Monday morning. (Sign up for Patch’s daily newsletter for your neighborhood.)

The shooting happened at about 7 a.m. in the 700 block of West Baker Road, behind the courthouse building, as Greenwood was stepping out of his vehicle.

The assailant shot Greenwood once in the neck.

Officials said Greenwood radioed for help, and advised deputies that he'd been shot and was,"bleeding out."

Greenwood was flown by Life Flight to Memorial Herman Hospital at the Texas Medical Center, but died from his injuries.

Investigators said Greenwood told officials within the Harris County Attorney's Office on March 30 that he felt the former target of a corruption investigation was a threat to him and his family.

The former target was the subject of an investigation Greenwood had been involved with, which was related to an active case at the Harris County Attorney's Office.

Such concerns led some involved with the investigation to speculate that Greenwood was executed.

"It's a hit, no doubt," one top federal law official working with city police, deputies and the Texas Rangers told the Houston Chronicle "He basically got ambushed."

However, others close to the investigation wouldn't say if this was an ambush or not.

Whether or not he was specifically targeted, or whether this was because of the uniform he was wearing or the place he pulled up to in the morning, we just don't know that right now," Baytown Police Lt. Steve Dorris said.

The aftermath of the shooting resulted in the lockdown of the courthouse and Sterling High School, which was lifted about 11 a.m.

Police have not released a description of the suspect.

Greenwood began his career with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in May of 1988.

He spent nearly twenty years as a commissioned peace officer with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, over 4 years with the Harris County DA’s Office, and over 3 years as a member of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Command Staff.

In January, Constable Sherman Eagleton selected Greenwood to serve as Assistant Chief in the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.

Greenwood's murder sent shockwaves through the community, and drew comments and thoughts of condolences from elected officials in Houston, and Austin.

"I am sickened and profoundly saddened by the brutal killing of Deputy Greenwood this morning," Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, of course, and to all the men and women who surround us and protect us from similar acts of lawlessness and brutality."

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez lauded Greenwod for his dedication and service to Harris County and the Houston area.

“His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten and will not go unanswered,” Gonzalez said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also expressed his condolences in an official statment, and vowed to take action through tougher legislation.

"Texas is taking action to strengthen penalties for those brazen enough to commit crimes against law enforcement, and we will send a message that such vile acts will not be tolerated in the Lone Star State," he said. "I am confident the perpetrator of this despicable act will be apprehended and that the murderer will be met with swift justice."

Crime Stoppers of Houston offered a reward up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case; half of that would come from the FBI, $15,000 from a concerned citizen and $10,000 from the 100 Club and Crime Stoppers, spokesman Jeff McShan said. Gov. Greg Abbott's office offered an additional reward of up to $15,000. Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crime-stoppers.org.

The shooting is still under investigation

Image: Harris County

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