A stabbing incident at the CVS Pharmacy at Milam and Congress Street in downtown Houston on Sunday night escalated to a fatal shooting when a police officer was attacked while responding to a mental health crisis. The suspect, a 27-year-old man believed to be experiencing a mental episode, was shot and killed by another officer, while HPD Officer Joaquin Garza sustained a stab wound above his left ear and is expected to recover, as reported by Click2Houston.
Authorities secured the area, closing streets around the Theater District with caution tape, and reported the suspect had a history of criminal behavior. Houston Mayor John Whitmire commented, "Obviously, all the officers involved in the encounter are shaken up. Certainly, the officer who took the life of the suspect. They do not plan on using their firearms when they leave the house each day. But they know their lives are at risk when they’re out on the street," according to Click2Houston.
The Houston Police Department is reviewing body camera footage from an incident in which an officer was injured while responding to a mental health call. The officer is in stable condition and receiving treatment, as noted by ABC13. HPD has not announced any changes to protocol or training. The footage will be released to the public soon.
