Juan Lozano
Associated Press
HOUSTON — A man was arrested Thursday in the killing of a Houston-area police sergeant who was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop, authorities announced.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said 21-year-old Tavores Henderson was taken into custody without incident at a home in Houston.
Nassau Bay police Sgt. Kaila Sullivan was assisting in a traffic stop at an apartment complex Tuesday night when police discovered the driver, later identified as Henderson, had an outstanding warrant for assault.
Henderson broke free from police as he was being handcuffed. Authorities allege Henderson fled in his vehicle and struck Sullivan, who later died at a hospital.
Henderson is facing a felony murder charge in Sullivan’s death, but authorities have said it could be upgraded to capital murder.
In a statement, Nassau Bay Police Chief Tim Cromie thanked all law enforcement involved in the tracking and arrest of Henderson.
“We ask that you continue to keep Sgt. Sullivan and her family, as well as the officers and staff of the Nassau Bay Police Department, in your thoughts and prayers,” Cromie said.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which was leading the search for Henderson, was scheduled to hold a news conference later Thursday to provide additional details of Henderson’s arrest.
Sullivan, 43, was approaching her 16-year anniversary with the Nassau Bay Police Department when she was killed.
Cromie said she was “a consummate professional in police work.”
Nassau Bay is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Houston and has about 4,000 residents.