Harris County Deputy Shoots Man Advancing With a Cross

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Houston, Texas — On May 1, 2024, at approximately 7:17 p.m., Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the 3200 block of Palston Bend Lane in North Harris County in response to multiple 911 calls regarding a man holding a knife and a cross while impeding traffic. At approximately 7:19 p.m., two deputies arrived at the scene. They saw a man later identified as 61-year-old Emile Ciampicini, holding a knife and a cross above his head, standing in the road. Deputies verbally commanded Ciampicini to back away and to get on the ground. Ciampicini dropped the knife, but did not comply with commands to get on the ground and advanced toward the deputies while holding the cross above his head. One deputy discharged his duty weapon, striking Ciampicini multiple times. Deputies requested EMS and rendered medical assistance. Ciampicini was pronounced deceased at the scene.