A Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constable was fatally shot in an ambush-style attack while driving to work on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect initially fled the scene, only to return and fire additional rounds at the deputy, according to local reports.

Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz stated that the shooting occurred around 12:35 p.m. near Richmond Ave. and Fondren. The deputy, who was in his personal vehicle, was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The deputy had recently received a promotion and had served for three years in the constabulary.

Authorities are searching for the suspect, described as a 35-40 year old man, believed to be of Middle Eastern descent, with dark thinning hair, standing 5′ 9″ tall, and weighing about 200 pounds. His motive remains unclear.

This incident follows another ambush on law enforcement less than a week ago when a Dallas officer was shot and killed. As of this year, 37 officers have died from gunfire in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.