In a harrowing incident, a Houston police officer was critically wounded in a shootout with a suspect involved in a crime spree on Thursday night. The suspect was killed during the exchange of gunfire.
The 29-year-old officer, whose identity was initially withheld, sustained three gunshot wounds during the confrontation with one of four suspects. The incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m. in southern Houston, according to police reports.
The chain of events began around 10 p.m. when the suspects allegedly committed an armed carjacking, stealing a 2003 Chevy Tahoe. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo provided details, stating that officers located the abandoned SUV shortly thereafter.
We have one of our officers who has been shot on the 3900 block of Tristan at Scott. He has been transported to @memorialhermann by @HoustonFire . Please pray for our officer. We also have one suspect down, others in custody and are looking for more. Please stay in hour homes. — Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) September 13, 2019
According to Acevedo, the suspects then attempted to rob a priest, resorting to physical assault when their firearm malfunctioned. “A priest. You heard that right,” Acevedo emphasized. “A priest in the parking lot was approached by four black males.”
One suspect was apprehended around 10:30 p.m. Shortly after, another suspect was located and attempted to flee, leading to a foot pursuit and subsequent gunfight. The suspect was fatally shot by officers, while the injured officer was rushed to a nearby hospital. Acevedo informed the Houston Chronicle that the officer was undergoing surgery and his condition remained critical.
WHAT WE KNOW: Houston police chief @ArtAcevedo is asking for prayers for the 29-year-old officer who was shot last night, sharing that the young officer’s father has also served in the department for 42 years. https://t.co/xQIn8RBl2C — ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) September 13, 2019
Authorities eventually apprehended another suspect, but one remains at large. The investigation is ongoing.
JUST IN: A CHAOTIC & SCARY night for @houstonpolice after an officer was shot 3x in the chest during a violent crime spree in SE #Houston . This is surveillance video showing moments leading up to that shootout! The 29 y/o officer is out of surgery, in ICU. #khou11 #htownrush pic.twitter.com/iESOEdIxLc — Michelle Choi (@MichelleKHOU) September 13, 2019
Michelle Choi reported that the officer was out of surgery and in the ICU. ABC13 reported the officer’s condition is “critical, but guarded.” The officer is a five-year veteran of the force.
Acevedo, who previously served as police chief in Austin, noted that he knew the officer from his time in the state capital, as the officer is a graduate of the University of Texas. He emphasized the deep connection to the department, stating, “This is close to me. His father is a 42-year veteran of this department…”
Acevedo also revealed that the injured officer is engaged to another HPD officer.
The incident occurred on the same night that Houston hosted the Democratic presidential debate.