Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo on Monday revealed new details about last week’s officer-involved shooting in which local gospel artist Adrian Medearis died.
Meanwhile, Medearis’ family publicly spoke about the shooting for the first time in a prepared statement.
“A talented gospel recording artist on the rise, Adrian is mourned as a beloved brother, devoted grandson, uncle nephew, cousin and faithful friend to all,” according to a portion of the statement. “Others who had the pleasure of knowing Adrian, fondly remember his smile, humor and easy going spirit. Adrian was a true gentleman and a proud Texas scholar. His love for Prairie View A&M University remained close to his heart.”
Medearis most recently directed the gospel choir at Evangelist Temple Church of God In Christ in South Acres. He was also a former director for the Prairie View A&M Baptist Student Movement gospel choir and founder of God’s Anointed People, a contemporary gospel group.
Medearis was shot and killed last Friday morning during a struggle with an officer, only identified as J. Ramos, who was trying to arrest him on a DWI charge in the 11700 block of North Freeway. Acevedo said Medearis failed field sobriety tests and resisted being placed in handcuffs.
Houston police have not publicly released video of the shooting. The officer’s body-worn cameras fell off during the struggle, but Acevedo said the entire incident was captured on the officer’s dashboard camera and nearby security cameras.
During a news conference at Houston police headquarters, Acevedo said he planned to show the family the video and let them decide whether they want it released. He said he had reached out to family members but had not heard back.
“Not everybody wants their loved one to be in cyberspace for the rest of eternity and for their last minute on earth to be public,” Acevedo said.
Medearis’ brother, Audrick Medearis, issued his own statement on social media around 2 p.m., saying he had not heard from the department before they called the press conference. He also said he hadn’t been notified about the location of his brother’s car and personal belongings.
"It is disappointing and absurd that Chief Acevedo would call a public press conference before speaking with the Family of Adrian Medearis,” Audrick Medearis said in a Facebook post. “I am not only his brother, but am also a first responder and Cy Fair firefighter. I am very easily accessible to HPD. The Harris County Chief Medical Examiner is aware that I am the next of kin as I contacted the office last Friday requesting to view my brother's remains.”
Acevedo said during the traffic stop, Medearis initially denied consuming any alcohol but later admitted to drinking a Mimosa cocktail. A fight ensued when the officer tried to get him in handcuffs, he said. The officer struck Medearis once with a Taser during the struggle, but it was ineffective.
Acevedo described the altercation as violent and said it lasted about two minutes. He said Medearis grabbed the officer’s Taser, which was loaded with a live round at the time.
The officer tried to distance himself, he said, but fired multiple times when Medearis pointed the weapon.
This story will be updated.
julian.gill@chron.com
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Acevedo details shooting that killed Houston gospel artist Adrian Medearis; Family issues public statement - Houston Chronicle
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