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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office gathered school superintendents, district police chiefs, and emergency management leaders from across the region for the inaugural Harris County Active Threat Tabletop, a collaborative training designed to strengthen preparedness and response for school-based emergencies.
Hosted on Jan. 14, 2026, in partnership with the Region 4 Education Service Center Office of Emergency Management and School Safety, the tabletop exercise gave school and public safety leaders a rare opportunity to work through realistic active-threat scenarios, identify gaps, and strengthen coordination before a crisis ever occurs. The exercise is required by the Uvalde Strong Act.
WATCH: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Hosts Active Threat Tabletop to Strengthen School Safety Preparedness
“The goal of the act was to enhance our emergency response, especially when it came to active incidents — and there is always something we can learn and improve on,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Participants engaged in detailed, scenario-driven discussions that walked agencies through every phase of an active-threat response—from initial notification and on-scene operations to reunification and recovery. The exercise emphasized communication, decision-making, and coordination across jurisdictions and agencies.
As part of the training, participants reviewed footage and timelines from the Uvalde school shooting, using the tragedy as a learning tool to examine response challenges, critical decision points, and opportunities for improvement in future incidents.
“You do not build resilient communities, and you do not build communities ready to respond to incidents — both with staffing and principals — without collaboration,” said Ken Culbreath, Region 4 Director of Emergency Management. Dr. Rodney Watson, Region 4 Education Service Center Executive Director, added, “We always talk about student achievement, but if students are not safe, buildings are not safe. And if communities are not safe, schools cannot be safe.”
The tabletop also highlighted the importance of having life-saving resources available on school campuses, including floor plans, Stop the Bleed kits, ballistic shields, master keys, and access controls, all of which can significantly reduce response time and save lives during an emergency.
The feedback received from participating superintendents on the value of this type of collaboration was overwhelmingly positive. “To be in the room with all the right people — to advise, talk through, listen, and debrief how others are handling situations — is only going to make us stronger,” said Dr. Jennifer Blaine, Spring Branch ISD Superintendent.
Dr. Doug Killian, Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent, added, “It makes us better prepared for whatever may happen — and to take care of our kids.”
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President and CEO of The Tejano Center and Superintendent of Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success, added, “Being in the same room with law enforcement—having those real conversations—makes a difference when it comes to protecting our students.”
Other school leaders echoed the value of working side-by-side with first responders. “We have plans, but this allows us to pressure-test them in a real-world environment,” said Mark DiBella, CEO of YES Prep Public Schools.
This tabletop marks the beginning of an ongoing Harris County Sheriff’s Office commitment to joint training, planning, and communication across school districts.
“School safety isn’t a one-time meeting,” Sheriff Gonzalez said. “It’s a continuous process of preparation, partnership, and accountability — and Harris County is committed to leading that effort.”
WATCH: Fiery Crash Turns into Life-Saving Rescue
A life-saving rescue on Tomball Parkway.
Just after 1:30 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, an innocent driver was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver, leaving him trapped inside a burning SUV.
Deputies and nearby wrecker drivers ran toward the flames without hesitation—emptying fire extinguishers, cutting a seatbelt, and pulling the driver free through heat and smoke to save his life.
We are keeping the injured driver in our thoughts and prayers as he continues his recovery.
Weekend Winter Storm Preparedness
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging everyone to prepare ahead of the winter storm expected this weekend and to take steps now to stay safe.
Cold temperatures, icy roads, and possible power disruptions can create dangerous conditions. Preparing early can help protect you, your family, and your neighbors.
Please remember:
- Stay off the roads if ice develops
- Prepare your home and check on vulnerable neighbors
- Bring pets indoors and protect plants and pipes
- Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended
- Protect yourself from carbon monoxide — never use generators or grills indoors
Helpful Resources:
- Weather updates & alerts: https://www.weather.gov/hgx
- Emergency preparedness & safety tips: https://www.readyharris.org
- Road conditions: https://www.houstontranstar.org
- Report animals left in dangerous conditions: https://apps.harriscountytx.gov/AnimalCruelty/
Our deputies and emergency partners are prepared and ready to respond if needed. The best way to help first responders is to stay informed, stay home when possible, and prepare now.
Your safety is our priority. Please continue to monitor conditions and take care of one another.
HCSO In the News
VIDEO: Man pulled from burning SUV on Tomball Parkway after deadly wrong-way crash
A wrong-way collision on the Tomball Parkway left one driver dead and another fighting for their life after being pulled from a burning SUV by deputies and bystanders.
The crash happened in the early morning hours of Jan. 17, in the southbound lanes of the highway. Investigators say a driver traveling the wrong direction struck another vehicle, sparking a massive fire.
ABC13: Man accused of killing ex in NW Harris County in 2022 added to Houston FBI’s most wanted list
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend is now on the FBI Houston’s Most Wanted List, the agency shared on social media.
Javian D. Paley is charged with murder in the 2022 shooting death of Lashawn Grays in a case of domestic violence in northwest Harris County, according to authorities.
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Teammates of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Tevin Agena for his professionalism, dedication, and outstanding service to our community.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“My husband’s phone was stolen from a store, and he filed a police report. We honestly had little hope of ever finding it. He was able to see the location of his phone through Find My iPhone and contacted the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to ask if an officer could meet him at the location. The response was impressively quick, and Deputy T. Agena met us there. This was my first time ever dealing with a sheriff, and to my surprise, it was a truly positive experience. Deputy Agena was professional, determined, and stood his ground until he successfully recovered the phone from the location. We are very grateful for his help and dedication.”
Deputy Agena has served with HCSO for two years and currently works in District 4. He began as a Detention Officer in 2022, earned his peace officer license, gained patrol experience, and returned to HCSO in 2025 with a strong commitment to service.
Thank you, Deputy Agena, for going above and beyond to serve our community and for representing HCSO with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy L. Williams for his compassion, dedication, and commitment to serving our community with heart.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“I would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work of Deputy Williams in the Fallcreek community. He transformed one of the most frightening moments of my life into an experience filled with compassion, support, and hope, something I carry with me every single day. I am the mother of a 4-year-old autistic daughter who elopes. Although Deputy Williams was not the initial responder to our emergency, he made it a priority to come when he learned that an autistic child was involved. His presence brought immediate calm. He ensured my daughter made it home safely and went above and beyond by connecting me with vital community resources like Project Lifesaver to help protect her in the future. What touched me most was his empathy. Deputy Williams met me with genuine understanding and kindness. He shared that he, too, is a parent to an autistic child. In that moment, he reminded me that I am not alone. A few days later, we saw Deputy Williams again. He remembered my daughter’s name and spoke to her with warmth and familiarity. That simple gesture showed how deeply he cares—not just about his job, but about the people and families he serves. Thank you, Deputy Williams. A million times over—thank you. Your compassion, dedication, and humanity make a lasting difference.”
Deputy Williams has proudly served with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for more than three years. He began his law enforcement career approximately five years ago with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and is currently assigned to HCSO District 2.
Thank you, Deputy Williams, for showing what it truly means to serve — with professionalism, empathy, and heart. Your actions remind us that policing is not just about response, but about connection and care.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez joined partners to recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Month and highlight how Houston-area agencies are working together to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and dismantle criminal networks.
Human trafficking hides in plain sight, and stopping it takes collaboration, awareness, and action.
Thank you to our partners at Houston HIDTA, No Trafficking Zone, Houston Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service for standing united in this effort.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
If you see something, say something. Together, we can make a difference.
Cockfighting is Illegal!
Cockfighting is illegal in Texas — even for spectators.
It’s cruel, dangerous, and a serious crime that carries felony charges, jail time, and heavy fines.
If you see or hear about cockfighting, speak up. Your tip could save animals and stop criminal activity.
- HCSO: 713-221-6000
- Crime Stoppers of Houston: 713-222-TIPS (anonymous)
K9 Ghost is all Better!
K9 Ghost has made a full recovery and was eager to get back to work! We truly appreciate all the support and well-wishes he received.
Don’t Run from Deputies, Run Marathons
Congrats to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on completing the Chevron Houston Marathon 🏃♂️👏
Running is great for your health… Just remember — it’s not a strategy for avoiding deputies.
Don’t Drive Impaired!
Who has to follow the rules of the road?
You do.
Buckle up. Slow down. Don’t drive impaired.
HCSO Auto Theft Unit Identifies Stolen Vehicles
The district 4 Patrol in west Harris County discovered what appeared to be a chop shop specializing in truck tractors. Detectives from the HCSO Auto Theft Unit responded to the scene and identified multiple stolen truck tractors, recovering several vehicles that were at various stages of disassembly. The investigation is ongoing.