The community of Lake Jackson, Texas, is mourning the tragic and untimely passing of 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr., who lost his life early Monday morning following a deputy-involved shooting. The incident began around 12:09 a.m. when a Brazoria County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop near FM 2004 and This Way Street. According to official reports, a brief pursuit ensued when the vehicle did not immediately pull over, eventually coming to a stop inside an attached garage at a residence located on Indian Warrior Trail.
Moments later, an encounter took place between the responding deputy and John Mendoza Jr., during which the deputy discharged his weapon. John sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was rushed to a local hospital, where he was tragically pronounced deceased. Family attorney Charles Adams shared that prior to the encounter, John had been spending a normal evening playing basketball and walking at a nearby track with two close friends. The sudden and violent end to his young life has left his family, friends, and peers completely heartbroken.
In alignment with standard department protocol, the involved deputy has been placed on administrative leave. A thorough, multi-agency investigation is currently underway, led by the Texas Rangers, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, and the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office to piece together the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter. While the investigation remains active and fluid, those who knew John are focusing on honoring his memory, remembering the positive impact he had on the lives of those around him, and seeking strength to navigate this unimaginable loss.
