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Cop shoots deputy brother, claims he thought victim was an intruder: Authorities
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What was initially reported as a residential burglary in Texas is now being described as potentially a tragic case of mistaken identity.

According to Fox News, 57-year-old Rocky Lee, a deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, was shot and killed in his brother’s home Friday night. He had been a member of the department for 26 years.

The suspected shooter was not named in initial police updates, but was identified as a current police officer in Stagecoach.

He reported the shooting and responding officers found the victim’s body on the bathroom floor with what appeared to be gunshot wounds, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation,” said Lt. Scott Spencer. “We don’t believe there was a burglary at the residence.”

Authorities did not announce any charges against the shooter. Though his name was not released, he was described as a 35-year veteran of law enforcement. He had spent the past two years of his career working for the Stagecoach Police Department.

A social media post from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the incident involving one of its deputies.

KTRK reported that the off-duty officer was cooperating with investigators and had been treated for unspecified medical issues.

“Please pray for the family of an off-duty HCSO Deputy, who was killed tonight in a shooting in the 16000 block of Singletree in Stagegoach, Montgomery County,” the agency tweeted.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the agency’s “hearts are broken” and Lee’s colleagues will “be hurting for a long time.”

[Featured image: Rocky Lee/Harris County Sheriff’s Office]