An off-duty Harris County police officer opened fire on two men on Wednesday morning after they were allegedly caught trying to break into his car. The incident took place in the 8100 block of Windy Acres Drive, in the residential confines of the Windfern Forest subdivision, an enclave on the northwest side of Harris County.
According to statements obtained by ABC13, the officer was either leaving for work, or arriving home when he discovered the attempted burglary and proceeded to discharge his weapon at the suspects. Despite the gunfire, no injuries were reported at the scene. The suspects, described as two men in purple hoodies and jeans, managed to evade capture and are currently at large.
In a social media update from Harris County Precinct 4's Facebook page, the suspects were further detailed as being two black males with one wearing a dark purple hoodie and the other in a light purple hoodie. The law enforcement's response to the event has been extensive, with K9 units scouring the ground for the suspects and DPS Air Support from above. Residents of the quiet subdivision awoke to the heavy presence of officers and the hum of search helicopters.
While the situation is still being assessed, authorities have formed a perimeter in the area to facilitate their search. Sgt. Rosas of Precinct 4 told ABC13, "It looked like there was possibly a burglary in progress," he stated, stressing that the investigation is still preliminary. The officer involved in the shooting was unharmed in the encounter and it remains unknown if the fleeing suspects were hit by the gunfire.
However, despite the active search, Rosas assured residents that there was no immediate danger posed to the community at this point in the investigation. As the inquiry into the shooting and the attempted burglary continues, local authorities are likely to provide updates.
