A violent encounter between Houston police and two armed men unfolded at a Prairie View taqueria on Tuesday, leading to the suspects being shot and wounded, officials confirmed. The gun battle occurred at Taqueria Ruby, located at 45240 US-290, when Houston Police Department (HPD) officers were attempting to arrest a wanted suspect associated with a murder and several felonies.

Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite reported to KTRK that the operation was intended to bring in the suspect safely, a man linked to aggravated assault, deadly conduct, theft, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. The standoff began around 4:30 p.m. when officers, in both marked and unmarked vehicles, tried to stop the suspect's white Dodge Charger. The wanted man, along with another male and a female, found themselves pinned by police but instead of surrendering, the men emerged with guns blazing.

In the ensuing shootout, which Satterwhite detailed, one of the suspects wielded a modified handgun allowing it to discharge fully automatic. Despite the heavy fire, no officers were harmed during the exchange. According to KIAH, the wounded suspects were airlifted to the Texas Medical Center for treatment and remained in serious condition, whereas the woman in the vehicle was not injured.

The identities of the injured suspects, one aged 19 and the other between 19 and 21 have not been fully disclosed by officials. Following the incident, the Texas Rangers will lead the investigation as is standard for such officer-involved shootings, especially since, the event occurred outside their jurisdiction in Waller County. The two HPD officers who neutralized the threat, having been with the department for five and three years respectively, will be on administrative leave throughout the probe.