Suit says Without Warning Plainclothes Houston Cops in Unmarked Cars Shot Charion Lockett to Death as he Sat in a Car in His Driveway. Video Contradicts Cops' Claim that Black Man Shot At Them First

From [HERE] The mother of a 27-year-old Black man fatally shot by Houston cops accuses the officers of failing to identify themselves as police when approaching her son, who was sitting in his parked car.

According to the amended complaint,

Charion Lockett (hereinafter sometimes “Mr. Lockett) was 27 years old and had never been convicted, or even arrested, for any crime in his entire life. Charion Lockett held a Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University, a Master’s Degree from Lamar University and was studying for the Law School Admissions Test.

The Houston Police Department began investigating an alleged attempted robbery which allegedly took place in or about November 2021. No one was injured in the alleged robbery and nothing was stolen.

The alleged victim, Torrey Brown, in the alleged attempted armed robbery was a known criminal with convictions for unlawful carrying a weapon and evading detention. Torrey Brown allegedly blamed Charion Lockett and some “unknown black male.”

Torrey Brown knew Charion Lockett from high school and had animosity towards him. The investigating officers’ first attempt to secure an arrest warrant for “aggravated robbery – deadly weapon” was rejected by a State District Court Judge. 

On the morning of February 7, 2022, an unidentified officer called Charion Lockett and his mother at or about 9:30 AM informing that Mr. Lockett had a warrant for his arrest in connection with the aforementioned armed robbery. The officer was informed that Charion intended to immediately retain an attorney and Mr. Lockett would turn himself later that day. The Houston Police Department had no information that Mr. Lockett was not going to turn himself in that day and Mr. Lockett made no attempt to flee Houston. The Houston Police Department officer did not say the police were coming to pick up Charion up.

At approximately 10:30 AM, Houston Police officers arrived at Mr. Lockett’s residence and began firing at him while he sat in his parked vehicle.

Body worn camera footage of the shooting shows Detective Inocencio riding in an unmarked red vehicle, pull up fast near Mr. Lockett, and open the door of his red unmarked car, dressed in civilian clothes, and point a Glock handgun directly at Mr. Lockett without ever identifying himself as a police officer, or saying anything. At all times Detective Inocencio was behind the car door and dash.

Officer Carroll, Officer Houlihan, and Officer Villareal also shot at Mr. Lockett without first identifying they were police, “hand ups”, “you’re under arrest”, or anything indicating they were police. It is unknown at this time which officers’ bullets wounded or killed Mr. Lockett.

Mr. Lockett likely saw the red vehicle pull up suddenly with Detective Inocencio pointing the Glock directly at him-exactly as the video shows-and immediately became in fear of his life as would anyone. Mr. Lockett had never seen Officer Inocencio, or the other officers that were there, prior to seeing the red car suddenly gun pointed at him and likely did not know Officer Inocencio, or others, were police officers.

Prior to the shooting of Mr. Lockett no officer stated they were the police, “hands up”, “you’re under arrest”, or any other words indicating it was an arrest.

After the shots were fired by Officer Inocencio, the other officers opened fire striking Mr. Lockett in the back as he attempted to run for his life. Mr. Lockett died of the gunfire at the scene.

Mr. Lockett has a concealed carry license. 

Mr. Lockett suffered great pain, anguish and was killed as a result of Defendants’ actions. Mr. Lockett’s mother Plaintiff has also suffered immense grief, anxiety, and depression. [MORE]