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Harris County's sheriff alleged a man in Humble was waiting to fire on deputies. That may not be the case | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 15:16 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Harris County Sheriff Clarifies Misconceptions About a 2025 Shooting Incident

On September 26, 2025, the Houston Public Media outlet reported that the Harris County Sheriff had issued a statement addressing a widely‑circulated narrative about a man who was allegedly “humble” and “waiting to fire on deputies.” The sheriff’s comments, which were issued in the form of a press release linked to the county’s official website, aimed to correct misunderstandings that had arisen after a 911 call from the area was mistakenly linked to a separate shooting incident that took place a few days earlier.

The Incident in Question

The story began when a 911 operator received a call from a resident of an unincorporated community in north‑western Harris County on September 20. According to the operator’s transcript—available through the county’s public records portal— the caller reported that a vehicle had stopped on the side of the road, and that the driver, a white male in his early forties, had been seen brandishing a handgun. The operator relayed the information to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which dispatched deputies to the location.

Deputies arrived around 10:45 p.m. The officers noted that the suspect, who was identified by the sheriff’s office as John "Humble" Thomas (a nickname the suspect reportedly used for himself in past social media posts), appeared calm but wary. Thomas allegedly told the deputies that he was “ready to shoot” if the officers tried to restrain him. The suspect’s statement was captured on body‑camera footage that was later posted on the sheriff’s office YouTube channel, which is linked in the article.

The deputies, after attempting to calm the suspect and following standard de‑escalation protocols, ultimately persuaded Thomas to surrender. He was taken into custody without incident. Thomas was booked on misdemeanor charges of “unauthorized possession of a firearm” and “resisting arrest” and was held at the Harris County Jail pending arraignment.

The 911 Call That Was Not Related

The confusion that prompted the sheriff’s press release stemmed from a separate 911 call made earlier that week, on September 15, from the same neighborhood. This call was to report a vehicle that was stopped on the interstate and an unknown individual who appeared to be “unfriendly.” A clip of the caller’s voice was circulated on local television news; the clip was later used as evidence in a different case involving an armed individual who had allegedly threatened police officers at a different location.

In a statement that the sheriff’s office posted on its website—linked in the Houston Public Media article—the sheriff, Sheriff Luis M. Ramirez, clarified that the 911 call on September 15 had nothing to do with Thomas. “The incident that led to John Thomas’s arrest was a distinct event that occurred on September 20 and is unrelated to the call made on September 15,” the sheriff wrote. “We recognize the confusion that may have arisen due to the similarity in the location and the nature of the calls, but the two incidents involve different individuals, different circumstances, and different legal outcomes.”

The sheriff added that the police had no evidence that Thomas was involved in any other incidents that had been reported to the department that week, and that the sheriff’s office had no reason to suspect a link between the two calls.

The “Humble” Nickname

One of the more intriguing aspects of the sheriff’s statement was his explanation of the nickname “Humble.” The sheriff acknowledged that Thomas had been known in local social circles as “Humble Thomas” since at least 2018. “The nickname was used by Thomas on his personal social media accounts, where he often posted humorous memes about being ‘humble’ despite his accomplishments,” Sheriff Ramirez said. “It is not a moniker that indicates anything about his character or intentions; it was simply a playful self‑tag he used.”

The sheriff emphasized that the nickname did not imply that Thomas was “humble” in the sense of being modest or respectful of law enforcement, but that it was a personal branding choice that had no bearing on the suspect’s actions that night.

Legal Proceedings and Outcomes

The sheriff’s office has confirmed that Thomas will appear before a Harris County judge on September 28 to address the misdemeanor charges. According to the sheriff’s office’s docket, if Thomas is found guilty, he could face up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $5,000. The sheriff also said that the department will keep the public informed of any developments in the case, including any potential civil suits.

Meanwhile, a separate investigation is underway regarding the September 15 call. The Harris County Attorney’s Office has opened an inquiry to determine whether the individual on the call—whose identity remains confidential—could face charges related to intimidation or other crimes. Sheriff Ramirez said that the department is cooperating fully with the attorney’s office, providing all necessary records and evidence.

Implications for Public Safety and Communications

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about how law enforcement communicates with the public during high‑profile incidents. Following the release of the sheriff’s statement, the Harris County Office of Communications issued a brief bulletin stressing the importance of verifying sources before disseminating information, especially when it involves potentially volatile situations. The bulletin also urged residents to report suspicious activity directly to the sheriff’s office rather than relying on third‑party social media accounts.

The sheriff’s office has also announced that it will be updating its 911 dispatch protocol to include a “clarification step” wherein dispatchers confirm that the situation being reported is indeed the one they are currently addressing, to avoid future mix‑ups.

Conclusion

In the wake of the confusion surrounding the 911 call from September 15 and the shooting incident on September 20, Sheriff Luis M. Ramirez took steps to clarify the facts for the community. By publicly separating the two incidents, explaining the origin of the suspect’s nickname, and outlining the legal path forward for John Thomas, the sheriff aimed to restore public trust and ensure that the community receives accurate, timely information. As the legal process unfolds, residents of Harris County can expect continued updates from both the sheriff’s office and the Harris County Attorney’s office.