Suspect dead following standoff with authorities after shooting HPD officer in leg
By: 0:00 - Intro
1:04 - Officer Salameh
2:55 - Officer Villa
4:04 - Officer Seay
7:06 - Officer McDaniel
10:00 - Officer Holland
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A suspect is dead following a lengthy standoff with authorities after he allegedly shot an HPD officer in the leg early Saturday.
Officers said it happened at an apartment complex in the 12800 block of Roydon Drive near the Gulf Freeway at around 2:11 a.m.
According to Chief Troy Finner, officers were responding to a discharge of firearms call after it was reported that a suspect was firing from an apartment. Officers on site requested backup.
When one officer searched for the origin of the gunfire, Chief Finner said the suspect apparently fired upon him and struck him in the leg. He then took off.
The officer was transported to an area hospital where he is expected to survive. Chief Finner said he suffered injuries to both legs, however, it was unclear if the bullet struck both legs, or if he was shot twice.
Chief Finner said the officer is assigned to the Clear Lake Division, and “is in good spirits.” His identity will not be released at this time.
In a news conference, Commander Megan Howard with HPD’s Tactical Operations Division said the suspect was believed to be hiding inside an apartment. His family was called to the scene to establish communication with him.
At around 8:45 a.m., the suspect then barricaded inside an apartment by putting a mattress against the windows. He then allegedly fired several rounds toward officers, but no one was hit, according to Howard. Several patrol vehicles were hit by gunfire.
Officers did not return fire at the suspect.
Assistant Chief J. Jones with HPD said officers determined that the suspect was “possibly down” after attempting to communicate with the suspect. That was when, at around 11:45 a.m., they made entry inside the apartment where the suspect may have been barricaded in.
Officers found the suspect on the bed with a apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, James said. HFD was called to assist where he was pronounced dead.
It was unknown what type of gun the suspect used, but police said they believe it was some type of assault rifle.
“It’s a tough job,” Assistant Chief Jones said, “For the family [of the suspect], I pray for them. They’ve been very, very helpful and I appreciate them for what they’ve done in trying to get this done successfully. Unfortunately we were not able to do that this time.”