A Houston area deputy was fatally shot at a traffic stop early on Sunday morning. The driver got back in their vehicle and drove off, while the cop died due to the shooting.  

The slain deputy, the 47-year-old Charles Galloway, was identified by Ted Heap, a constable at Harris County Precinct 5. He was assigned to the Harris County toll road division.

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The Houston police are handling the investigation and Troy Finner, the police chief, said, “This is senseless. It makes no sense whatsoever.” He also addressed the shooter, saying, “The best thing you can do is turn yourself in.” 

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While a manhunt is underway, no suspect is in custody yet. Finner disclosed that a type of assault weapon had been used and witnesses saw the man get out of the vehicle, fire the shots, and then drive away. 

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Constable Heap further added that Galloway didn’t have time to respond or mount any defence against the attack. The slain cop had joined the force in 2009 and mentored several young officers on how to be efficient and safe in the field. The veteran served for 12 and a half years on the force and was on the night shift so he could train deputies.

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Heap continued, “There is a lot of very broken up officers who he meant a lot in their lives because he was the one sitting in the front seat with him”, and added, “He was the one that was teaching them what to do and how to get home safely to their families. And here we are this evening with the roles reversed”. 

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The slain cop is survived by his daughter and sister. Houston police officers joined the members of the precinct in providing an escort to Galloway to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

[Edited with AP inputs]