On October 26, 2023, a grand jury in Harris County took a significant step in the realm of police accountability. Deputy Garrett Hardin faces a first-degree murder indictment for a shooting incident that unfolded in 2022 in Harris County, Texas.
Things escalated after a Houston Dollar General store employee dialed 911 to report a shoplifting. Though she mentioned an alleged assault, she didn’t consider the shoplifter armed.
Body-cam footage brought the chilling scene to light. Deputy Hardin’s pursuit of the suspect, Roderick Brooks, aged 47, saw Hardin deploy a stun gun, leading to Brooks’ fall. What followed was a scuffle, ending with Hardin firing at Brooks.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office benched Hardin during the investigation. Following the indictment, he’s out of active duty and could face more disciplinary measures.
Brooks’ family attorney conveyed their relief at the progress, dubbing Hardin a “rogue cop” responsible for Brooks’ demise. Diving into Hardin’s track record over his two-decade service, he’s been benched without pay eight times since 2004, for reasons varying from car crashes to serious offenses like fabricating statements and inappropriate conduct.
Brooks’ family launched a wrongful death lawsuit last year, spotlighting Hardin’s recurrent issues. This case, set against the backdrop of nationwide demands for police accountability, emphasizes the pressing need for reforms, particularly concerning interactions with communities of color.
