HCSO Releases Video of Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has released video footage related to an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 65-year-old man on May 5, 2025.

The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. at a medical facility located at 15655 Cypress Woods Medical Drive. Deputies were dispatched after a 911 call requested assistance to remove a man from a vehicle who was refusing to leave the property.

Upon arrival, a deputy observed Ishmael Dennis in a vehicle. When the deputy attempted to make contact, the vehicle drove through the parking lot before stopping in front of the building. When Dennis repeatedly refused to exit the vehicle, a deputy used a window punch to break the car window and called for backup.

One deputy then deployed a Taser, but it was not effective in gaining control of Dennis. As deputies pulled Dennis from the vehicle, he reportedly produced a knife. Deputies then fired multiple gunshots, and Dennis died at the scene.

Ongoing Investigations

The HCSO stated that the information contained in the released video is preliminary. An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing by the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit. In accordance with standard procedure when a deputy uses deadly force, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is conducting its own independent investigation. The evidence gathered from both investigations will be presented to an independent grand jury for review.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division is conducting an administrative investigation. The findings of this internal review will be presented to the Sheriff’s Administrative Disciplinary Committee to determine if the deputies’ actions were consistent with departmental policies and procedures.

The HCSO is urging anyone with information relevant to this critical incident to contact their office at 713-221-6000. All evidence collected will be provided to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for presentation to the independent grand jury.

The video footage is available on the Sheriff’s Office YouTube page and public website. Due to the graphic and sensitive nature of the content, viewer discretion is advised. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2ff2WzAt1w