Armed Suspect Fatally Shot at 1250 Leona Street

Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed male suspect by an HPD officer at 1250 Leona Street about 5:50 p.m. last Friday (March 1).  The identity of the male is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  HPD Officers T. Kang and D. Samaniego, who discharged their duty weapons, were not injured in the incident.  Officers Kang and Samaniego were sworn in as officers in August 2021 and January 2024, respectively, and are assigned to the Central Patrol Division.  HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeants E. Wohlgemuth, F. Lee, and Detectives V. Lewis, C. Walker, and M. Estep reported:  HPD patrol officers responded to an assault-in progress call at an apartment complex at the above address and, after locating the apartment, attempted to make contact with the tenants inside.  While knocking, officers heard a female screaming inside.  As Officers Kang and Samaniego attempted to open the front door, the suspect, armed with a pistol, opened the door, pointed the weapon at officers and started shooting.  The officers returned fire and the suspect was struck.  Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the suspect deceased.  As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents in the Houston city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.   VHS/JFC  3-4-24Inc. #030912424