Armed car thief shot by Harris County deputies

On March 2, 2024, at approximately 0940 hours, Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the 9800 block of Fleming Springs Drive in East Harris County regarding an auto theft investigation. Deputies met with a complainant, who directed them to a residence where he had tracked his stolen vehicle. Deputies knocked on the door of the home attempting to contact the residence when they heard a suspect flee on foot. Two deputies located a Hispanic male matching the suspect's description walking in the 1700 block of sun Point Court, and talking on a cell phone.

As they approached the suspect later identified as 18-year-old Nathanael Piñon, deputies saw an extended magazine protruding from the front of Piñon's waistband. Both deputies verbally commanded Piñon to stop using his cell phone. Piñon faced the deputies and reached for the firearm in his front waistband. The deputies verbally commanded the suspect to stop breaching for his weapon and, Piñon did not comply with their commands. Both deputies discharged their duty weapons, striking Piñon multiple times. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS. Deputies recovered a 9mm caliber firearm that contained an extended magazine from Piñon's waistband.