An off-duty Harris County Precinct 6 deputy discharged a firearm at an individual suspected of attempting car theft at a Northwest Houston auto service shop, authorities reported. The incident unfolded at D & E Tire and Auto Service LLC located on Tanner Road, where the deputy was tending to personal vehicle matters. According to a Houston Chronicle report, the suspect had a covered face and was seen rummaging through cars at the shop.
HPD commanders and PIO enroute to 10103 Tanner Rd after an off duty outside agency deputy discharged his weapon at a suspect. Unknown if the suspect was struck.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) February 3, 2024
No injuries reported at this time.
More info will be provided at the scene. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/bs6wwFncQU
Michelle Olvera, secretary of the auto shop owned by her family since 2008, said in an interview obtained by the Houston Chronicle, "He got inside of one of my brother's trucks, grabbing stuff from there." In an attempt to prevent the suspect's escape, staff utilized a truck to ram into his black BMW. Despite these efforts, the suspect managed to flee and his vehicle was later found abandoned several miles away. Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Wyatt Martin confirmed the escape at a subsequent news conference.
The Houston Police Department is actively investigating the shooting that occurred around 2:11 p.m. on Saturday. The deputy, who has six years on the job, discharged his weapon at the masked suspect inside the business. As reported by ABC13, the circumstances surrounding the discharged weapon by the off-duty officer and whether the suspect was hit remain unclear. However, there have been no reports of injuries in the aftermath of the shooting.
The deputy involved in the incident is expected to be placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure pending the outcome of an investigation, as the masked suspect who was shot, his identity and condition still unknown. The deputy's experience with the constable's office might offer insights into the unfolding of the event, as the authorities comb through the details of the Saturday incident.
