Suspect Arrested for Murder of Houston Officer
Sgt. Sean Rios, 47, was reportedly on his way to his shift at George Bush Intercontinental Airport when for reasons unknown he ended up on the feeder road in a gunfight with at least one suspect.

Houston Sgt. Sean Rios was killed in a gunfight Monday. He was on his way to his shift at the time. (Photo: Houston PD)
The Houston Police Department has announced that a person wanted for the murder of an off-duty officer has been arrested. The suspect has not been identified.
Sgt. Sean Rios, 47, was reportedly on his way to his shift at George Bush Intercontinental Airport when for reasons not presently released to the public he ended up on a feeder road of the North Freeway in a gunfight with at least one suspect. The incident happened shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time.
The suspect was described last night by Police Chief Art Acevedo as a heavily tattooed male Hispanic in his mid to late 20s. The suspect was reportedly driving a blue four-door Mercedes. Acevedo said Houston police have recovered the vehicle, but he would not say where or how.
Another person of interest driving a black pickup is also wanted by police. Acevedo said there was evidence that the shooting suspect and the driver of the pickup "were working together."
Acevedo addressed the suspect during the press conference, saying his investigators have leads and "We're going to catch you." He urged the suspect to turn himself in. It's not known if he did turn himself in.
Sgt. Rios, a 25-year veteran of the Houston PD, was in civilian clothes and driving his personal vehicle at the time of the incident. He was outside of his vehicle when he exchanged fire with the suspect and was mortally wounded, according to the chief. Rios made his way to the lobby of a nearby motel where he collapsed and died.
Acevedo stressed that Rios died in the line of duty. He said that while the officer was off duty at the time, he was taking "police action" when he was killed.
Sgt. Sean Rios is the fourth Houston officer to die in the line of duty since last December.
Sgt. Rios leaves behind four children -- ages 9, 12, 14 and 17 -- his parents and a brother. He also had two cousins who are HPD detectives, KHOU reports.
More Patrol

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →
PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →