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John Gabriel Mendoza Jr.

Age : 18

Gender : Male

Race : Latino/a/e

Date : 06/01/2026

Location : 100 block of Indian Warrior Trail

City : Lake Jackson

County : Brazoria

State : Texas

Agency : Brazoria County Sheriff's Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during attempted traffic stop

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 06/01/2026, a deputy with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop near FM 2004 and This Way Street in Lake Jackson. John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., an 18 year old Texas State University student and former Brazoswood High School football player, continued driving and deputies escalated a pursuit. The pursuit ended when Mendoza drove into the attached garage of his father's home in the 100 block of Indian Warrior Trail.

After the vehicle entered the garage, a deputy opened fire and struck Mendoza. He was transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. Authorities have not disclosed why the traffic stop was initiated or what actions immediately preceded the shooting.

Mendoza's family and attorney stated that he was unarmed and remained inside the vehicle when he was shot. According to the attorney, no weapon or contraband was recovered from the vehicle. The attorney further stated that Mendoza was struck in the back. Family members said Mendoza had spent the evening playing basketball with friends before returning home. The deputy was placed on administrative leave. The Texas Rangers, Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, and Brazoria County District Attorney's Office are conducting the investigation.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://abc13.com/post/chase-suspect-killed-brazoria-county-deputy-attempted-traffic-stop-sheriffs-office-says/19211593/
https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/houston-area-high-school-football-player-killed-officer-involved-shooting/285-36d722c4-3042-463d-92b7-46612bb2710e
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/brazoria-county-deputy-involved-deadly-shooting-driver-lake-jackson
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/06/01/driver-killed-after-deputy-involved-shooting-in-lake-jackson-following-chase/
https://thefacts.com/free_share/breaking-male-college-student-shot-killed-by-brazoria-county-deputy/article_6c3115bc-4d89-4e13-97fa-43be146e844a.html