Harris County sheriff’s deputy seen repeatedly punching shoplifting suspect in head

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County sheriff’s deputy was caught on camera repeatedly punching a man in the head with a closed fist during an arrest, with several deputies struggling to detain him.

An onlooker, visibly shocked, captured the incident on their phone as deputies arrested the suspect on Beltway 8 near Woodforest. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Deveon Dillard, was seen on the ground being struck in the head by a deputy amidst the struggle.

According to the sheriff’s office, Dillard was accused of shoplifting from a nearby Kroger prior to the arrest. A spokesperson mentioned that he allegedly attempted to grab the deputy’s stun gun.

Dillard’s mother, Veronica Steptoe, was unaware of the video until showed it to her. She recounted that her son had called from jail, claiming he had been severely beaten.

“He said, ‘Momma, I thought I was dead. They were beating me,’” Steptoe recalled.

Dillard is now facing charges for possession of a controlled substance after deputies found meth on him, as well as assault on a peace officer, and attempting to seize a weapon (Taser).

“If he did steal, take him to jail,” Steptoe said. “But it doesn’t justify them beating him. They literally beat my son. Three of them.”

Dillard has a criminal record that includes mostly drug-related offenses in Harris County.

“He has done things before. He’s far from perfect. He’s imperfect, just like anyone else,” Steptoe said. “But even with his past, what happened to him was inappropriate.”

consulted Greg Fremin, a retired HPD captain and former criminal justice professor, for his professional perspective on the video.

“The deputy is doing everything he can to arrest an individual who is violently and aggressively resisting,” Fremin observed.

Fremin noted that the primary question will be whether the level of force used by the deputies was justified. He emphasized that body camera footage, including audio of the deputy’s verbal commands, would be critical for the review.

“How long were they in that position with him resisting? Was he close to their weapons? It takes just a split second for a suspect to grab a deputy’s Taser, potentially turning the situation into a life-threatening struggle,” Fremin explained.

reached out to the sheriff’s office for their response to the deputies’ actions. A spokesperson confirmed that all use-of-force incidents are subject to internal review, and such a review has been initiated. All deputies involved are currently on active duty.

“I don’t want this happening to anyone else,” Steptoe stated. “This isn’t just about my son.”

has requested body camera footage, but a spokesperson indicated that the case is still active.