A high-speed pursuit in Houston's southside area concluded with a police officer shooting the driver of a stolen vehicle late last night. The incident began when Houston Police Department officers tried to stop the stolen Buick SUV at around 11:15 p.m., near State Highway 288 and Reed Road, as reported by Click2Houston. The driver failed to yield, leading to a chase that terminated after the vehicle crashed near Bacon and Tierwester Streets.
After the crash, the suspect fled on foot into a nearby apartment complex, where, Assistant Chief Adrian Rodriguez stated, he brandished a weapon. Details on the type of weapon were not immediately disclosed, however, it was later confirmed that a weapon was indeed recovered at the scene. In response to the threat, the police officer, a four-year veteran with the Houston Police Department, discharged their firearm, striking the suspect, as per a statement obtained by Houston Public Media.
The officer involved in the shooting is part of the Southeast Patrol Division and has since been placed under routine investigation. According to HPD protocol, this includes an internal review, a homicide division investigation, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office will also conduct an independent investigation. Authorities will release any available body camera footage within 30 days of the incident.
After the shooting, Assistant Chief Rodriguez said, "The officer fearing for his safety discharged his firearm. The officer immediately rendered aid and the suspect was transported to a local hospital and is currently listed in critical condition," as reported by Houston Public Media.
