HOUSTON — Omar Ursin, the deputy constable who was shot and killed last month while picking up food for his family, was laid to rest Thursday.
Family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers gathered to remember Ursin at Inspire Church in north Harris County.
They shared memories of the young deputy, husband, father and son.
"He will forever be in our family through the memories we have to cherish. To the Ursin family, please know you will always remain in our family," Harris County Precinct 3 Constable Sherman Eagleton said. "Omar's light will forever shine bright. I love you, little brother. Rest in peace."
Ursin was 37 and grew up in Channelview. He had been in the force for six years.
Investigation continues
The Precinct 3 deputy constable had just left his favorite restaurant with dinner for his family when he was killed Sunday, August 28. Investigators said Ursin was not in uniform and was in his own car when he was shot and killed on his way home.
Homicide detectives still aren't sure why Ursin was targeted. Investigators believe the shots were fired as the vehicles were in front of West Lake Middle School. The shooter was in a newer model dark sedan with tinted windows.
“The reason for the shooting is unknown. We don’t know if it’s road rage. We don’t know if it has to do with him being law enforcement,” Sgt. Dennis Wolford, with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit, said. “We are still trying to determine that, but we are asking for the public’s help.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the suspect's vehicle left the scene heading eastbound on Madera Run Parkway and then turned northbound on Olympic National Drive.
Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call HCSO at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
Who was Omar Ursin?
Deputy Ursin was a six-year veteran of the department and a Channelview native. Before entering the police academy, he volunteered with youth outreach programs where he mentored foster children.
“He was loved, he was a father and a husband and he had a family so our hearts are broken for them and the agency as well as the law enforcement community," Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
Ursin has been described as a devoted dad, husband and son who "loved his family immensely," the Harris County Sheriff's Office wrote in a statement.
"As a department, we are in utter disbelief and unable to comprehend this senseless act. Deputy Ursin was a colleague, a friend, a brother and so much more."