SEPT 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 9

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs.

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs. HOUSTON,TX. Shaq offers support for HCSO Deputy Anderson who was shot last month during a traffic stop. Anderson is still recovering. HARRIS COUNTY, TX — Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joseph Anderson continues to recover after being shot last month during a traffic stop. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said he visited Anderson in the hospital Monday and said he was in “good spirits” and was even smiling. “He wanted me to convey his appreciation for the outpouring of support from our citizens, his agency teammates, and colleagues from all agencies,” Gonzalez said in the social media post. “He asked for continued prayers for a speedy recovery.” One of Anderson’s supporters is former NBA basketball player Shaquille O’Neal. The sheriff said Shaq sent Anderson a personal video wishing him all the best. “Great gesture by Shaq and much appreciated,” Gonzalez said. Anderson was shot on Aug. 16 along Homestead Road by a man also accused of shooting two more law enforcement officers and injuring another. The day Anderson was shot, he was flown to the hospital 58 The BLUES in critical condition. He immediately underwent surgery at Memorial Hermann, where he continues to recover. Anderson is 29 and has been with HCSO for about a year and three months. According to Commissioner Adrian Garcia, he has a twin brother and is engaged. Terran Green is the suspect accused of shooting Anderson. The day after shooting Anderson, he allegedly injured three more law enforcement officers as they were closing in on him. He was finally arrested after an hours long standoff in Atascocita. Green appeared in court for the first time Monday. He faces four counts of attempted capital murder of a police officer. Green was already out on bond for violent offenses, and on Monday, a judge gave him no bond for the most recent charges.

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs. SHELBY COUNTY,TX. Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Pierson, in only his second day on the job, was killed in a patrol vehicle crash on Tuesday, August 29th. SHELBY COUNTY, TX. – A Shelby County sheriff’s deputy was killed Tuesday morning in a patrol vehicle accident involving an 18-wheel truck. “It is with a heavy heart that Sheriff Kevin W. Windham announces the passing of our deputy, Matthew Pierson, in the fatal accident that occurred this morning,” the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports on Facebook. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating the crash. “The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 7:30 a.m., a 2014 Peterbilt truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling west on S.H. 103. It is reported that a Deputy Pierson, operating a marked patrol unit, was traveling north on S.H. 147 and failed to yield to the truck tractor, striking the trailer portion of it,” the Shelby County SO said on Facebook. Rex Evans, Editor: Our hearts hurt for this young man who, was literally just starting his career. He was only two days in and lost his life, in the Line of Duty. His Mom and Aunt work for our Tribe, in adjoining departments. We are all, very devastated for this amazing family. To say this has been long and difficult week around the Tribe would be, quite an understatement. Matthew, did not have an easy life. He had to struggle, hurt and fight for everything and everyone he had in his life. Through all of, he maintained his steadfast commitment to being a Law Enforcement Officer to try and make this world a better and safer place. That being said, we’re completely committed to one another here, at the Tribe. We will rise back up from our grief together, lifting one another along the way, to move forward. We will continue to live as well as we can, for Matthew. Carrying on all the good, he stood for. Remembering him and ensuring that, he is never, ever forgotten. We humbly offer our sincerest condolences to the Family, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the entire Shelby County Community. God’s speed, Matthew. We’ve got it from here, young man. You rest easy now. The BLUES 59