Deputy Sheriff Royce Melvin Anderson, aged 29, tragically died on October 26, 1981, in Houston, Texas. Anderson was a dedicated officer with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, having served for two years. His death was the result of an inadvertent gunshot wound sustained during a felony arrest. Anderson and his partner had responded to a stabbing call at a truck stop on the North Freeway. After obtaining a description of the suspect and his vehicle, they conducted a felony stop.
During the stop, as Anderson re-holstered his weapon, it discharged accidentally, striking him in the upper leg and severing his major arteries. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Anderson succumbed to his injuries early the next morning.
There were no arrests, suspects, or litigations related to Anderson's death, as it was determined to be an accidental discharge. The incident did not lead to any murder charges or further investigations, as it was ruled an unfortunate accident. Anderson was survived by his wife and two children, and his death was deeply mourned by the community and his colleagues.
Anderson's ethnicity is not explicitly mentioned in the sources, but his dedication and sacrifice are honored by the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the Officer Down Memorial Page .
