HOUSTON — We're learning more about the Precinct 4 Constable's Office corporal who was gunned down on his way to work Tuesday afternoon.
Corporal Maher Husseini was at the intersection of Fondren and Richmond near the Westpark Tollway in southwest Houston when he was shot multiple times.
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz said the gunman got out of his car and fired multiple shots into the deputy's vehicle.
Husseini was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital but he didn't survive. Dozens of law enforcement officers gathered outside the hospital to salute Husseini and escort his flag-draped casket to the medical examiner's office.
"He should have been at two o’clock today, because he was on his way to work when he got shot. Murdered," Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said at a news conference.
The suspected gunman was later arrested after leading police on a chase and then driving into the water in Galveston. He's being treated at a hospital there.
Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman's Office called it a tragic and senseless act of violence.
Herman said Husseini joined his department in 2021.
“I just promoted him last week. He was just promoted. I met his wife for the first time, great people,” Herman said.
He said Husseini's wife was out of town and they sent someone to Bush Intercontinental Airport to meet her when she arrived and break the news.
Husseini's brother told KHOU 11 that the couple has two sons, ages 12 and 15.
His death has shaken the community where he was well-liked.
Herman said it was Chief Diaz who called him to let him know about the shooting and he knew HPD would work to make an arrest quickly.
“My mentality with law enforcement, and a lot of you know me, is to fight, fight, fight. The only thing these criminals understand is force," Herman said.
Witnesses said the deputy was stopped at a stop light and believe he was ambushed.
"Came out and shot the man four times in the front of the seat. Went slowly to his car and headed to Sharpstown," one witness said.
Friends gathered to pay their respects, including one man who had known the corporal through regular coffee meetings.
"He was an unusual person who had a bigger-than-life personality this guy has it going on. Warm, great listener," Wallace Marsh said.
People who knew him want to know why someone would do something so cruel.
“Very nice guy and this gentleman, I see him every Friday when I go to the mosque; he is security over there,” Bill Arfat said. “Everybody liked him, he is a very nice gentleman. All of our community liked this guy.”
Husseini was the second Texas law enforcement officer shot and killed in the last week. Dallas Police Department Officer Darron Burks was shot and killed in a "targeted attack" while sitting in his vehicle on Aug. 27. Two other officers who rushed to the scene were wounded.
“There’s too many of these, I mean we’re seeing too many of these,” Herman said. “It’s too much, I mean, there’s total chaos in our communities and we’ve got to get it fixed.”
Before joining Precinct 4, Husseini was a police officer with the Montgomery Independent School District.
Statement on Maher Husseini from Gov. Greg Abbott
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement about Husseini's death.
"The hearts of Texans are breaking today with the news that Harris County Deputy Constable Maher Husseini was shot and killed while on his way to work," said Governor Abbott. "The dangerous criminal who ambushed and murdered Deputy Constable Husseini will have the full weight of the law brought down upon him. Texas is a law and order state, and I will always defend the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect Texans. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the family and loved ones of Deputy Constable Husseini."