Deputy Sheriff Royce Melvin Anderson, 29, of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office died from an inadvertent gunshot wound sustained during a felony arrest on October 26, 1981, in Houston. Anderson and a partner had responded to a stabbing call at a truck stop on the North Freeway, located a suspect and vehicle description, and conducted a felony stop. As Anderson re-holstered his weapon it discharged accidentally, striking his upper leg and severing major arteries. He was taken to a local hospital and died early the next morning.

Anderson had served two years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and was survived by his wife and two children. The shooting was ruled an accidental discharge; no arrests, suspects, or litigation followed.

Did anyone who knew Deputy Anderson or his family want to add memories or information about his service?