Lake Jackson - Newly obtained court records reveal Texas Rangers investigated former Brazoria County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Tippit for possible criminal offenses, including manslaughter, after he fatally shot 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr. during a pursuit that ended inside a Lake Jackson garage.

Mendoza Jr., a Texas State University student, was shot and killed in front of his family home on June 1.

According to a search warrant affidavit filed by Texas Ranger Aaron Arizmendi on June 22, investigators sought a forensic examination of Tippit's Glock 19X handgun as part of the criminal investigation.

The affidavit states investigators had probable cause to investigate possible offenses including:

Manslaughter

Criminally negligent homicide

Aggravated assault by a public servant

The affidavit does not mean Tippit has been charged. As of Wednesday, no criminal charges have been filed.

Body camera details

According to the affidavit, Tippit initially attempted to stop a red Dodge Challenger for a traffic violation near Oyster Creek Drive and FM 2004.

Investigators say Mendoza Jr. fled, reaching speeds of about 120 mph and running six red lights before pulling into the garage of a home on Indian Warrior Trail.

The Texas Ranger wrote that after reviewing Tippit's body camera, investigators observed Tippit enter the garage, approach the driver's side door, draw his handgun and fire a shot through the driver's side window into the passenger compartment.

After opening the driver's door, investigators say Tippit realized the driver, later identified as Mendoza, had been struck.

The affidavit says Tippit then radioed dispatch that he had experienced an  accidental discharge  and reported that one man was bleeding. The Ranger wrote that, based on his training and experience, he understood Tippit to be referring to his firearm unintentionally discharging.

Investigators say Tippit immediately began providing lifesaving aid until emergency responders arrived.

A custodial death report submitted by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office says Mendoza died from a gunshot wound to his left upper ext

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