| Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a robbery suspect by an HPD officer at 16510 North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45) service road about 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday (January 5).
The identity of the male suspect, 27, is pending verification by Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
HPD Officer B. Frederick, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in the incident. Officer Frederick was sworn in as an officer in December 2015 and is assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division.
HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeants J. Hekimian, P. Buttitta and Detectives E. Contreras, V. Praxedes, B. Bertrand, W. Elliott, V. Nguyen and A. Hurtado reported:
HPD Northeast Patrol Division Crime Suppression Team officers, along with the Robbery Division Violent Offender Squad, were conducting an investigation at a motel at the above address. Three male suspects were being sought for involvement in at least six aggravated robberies in Houston. One of the suspects had two open felony warrants for robbery and possession of a controlled substance.
Members of the HPD Crime Suppression Team obtained information that three suspects were at the above address and, upon arrival, found the suspect vehicle in the parking lot. As officers staged in the area, one of the suspects was seen entering his vehicle. Officers approached, identified themselves as HPD officers and gave all three suspects repeated verbal commands to show their hands. Two of the suspects fled the scene on foot, one of whom was wearing a bullet-proof vest and armed with a pistol, which he dropped as he fled. A third suspect exited the vehicle and reached for a pistol in his waistband. Fearing for his life, Officer Frederick discharged his duty weapon and struck the suspect, who died at the scene. The two other suspects who initially fled the scene were taken into custody a short time later. They have not been charged at this time, as the investigation is continuing. Officers recovered several firearms at the scene.
The shooting investigation is being primarily handled by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office due to the incident occurring in its jurisdiction.
As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents, 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 1-6-21
Inc. #001947821 |
