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Captain Paul S. Cordova
Deputy David Papa
and Greg Walker Esq., ARM, CPP

It is with a great sense of pride and honor that I submit Deputy David Papa for consideration of the ASIS International Houston Chapter "Officer of the Month" award. Deputy Papa has distinguished himself as an outstanding law enforcement professional.

On Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at approximately 02:10 hours, Deputy David Papa, with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a suspicious person call at 6400 Block Modesto Drive in southwest Harris County. The reportee for that call advised that two black males were walking through the neighborhood, attempting to burglarize parked vehicles. The reportee also advised that the suspect’s vehicle was parked near his residence.

When Deputy Papa and other deputies arrived, they were able to locate the vehicle. However, there were no suspects in the area. They remained in the area for approximately 40 minutes in hopes of finding the suspects. The suspects never returned to their vehicle and the call was cleared.

Deputy Papa was not satisfied. At approximately 04:15 hours, Deputy Papa returned to the area to see if the vehicle was still there. When he arrived on Modesto Drive, Deputy Papa observed the suspect vehicle back out of a driveway and pull in front of another residence. He immediately conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. After making contact with the sole occupant of the vehicle, Deputy Papa received conflicting stories as to what he was doing in the area. Deputy Papa called for backup to his location. After backup arrived, the suspect was detained.

While the investigation was still ongoing, there was the sudden sound of glass breaking and screaming from another residence located at 6400 Modesto Drive. Several Asian males and females were then seen running from the residence, screaming. Deputy Papa, Deputy Norman Fitts and Deputy Jeurel Sims determined that they had interrupted a home invasion in progress.

While Deputy Sims remained with the suspect in the vehicle, Deputy Papa and Deputy Fitts, without regard for their own safety, entered the backyard of the residence in order to prevent any other suspects escape. While in the backyard, a second suspect exited the back door of the residence. When the suspect saw Deputy Papa, the suspect fired shots at Deputy Papa. Deputy Papa and Deputy Fitts returned fire. The suspect then was able to jump a fence and flee the scene. Deputy Papa, during the exchange of gunfire, narrowly escaped serious injury, when a bullet went through the leg of his pants and lightly grazed his skin.

The investigation revealed that the suspect in the vehicle, along with two other suspects had just robbed the residence. They seriously injured one male inside the house in order to obtain bank card PIN numbers.

The suspect who fired shots at Deputy Papa was apprehended later that same day.

Detectives were able to link these suspects to numerous home invasions in the area, including Fort Bend County and the City of Houston.

Deputy Papa’s diligence to service and his steadfast pursuit of justice, has resulted in two dangerous criminals being taken off the street. He has made Harris County a safer place to live.

Respectfully submitted,

Captain Paul S. Cordova
Harris County Sheriff’s Office