Texas sheriff fires deputy who fatally shot unarmed man

HOUSTON – A Texas sheriff has fired a deputy who fatally shot an unarmed man during a confrontation in Houston.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced Friday that Deputy Cameron Brewer was being fired for failure to follow the department’s use-of-force policy in the March 22 fatal shooting of 34-year-old Danny Ray Thomas. In doing so, Brewer chose not to use his Taser first in an effort to subdue Thomas.

Brewer was shot dead in a confrontation captured on police video. Thomas had his pants around his ankles and was unarmed as he advanced toward Brewer, despite warnings to stop.

Thomas’ family is suing the county for wrongful death.

The Harris County Deputies’ Organization criticized Gonzalez’s decision and plans an appeal.