Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed male suspect by Houston police officers that occurred at 13600 East Freeway (East Interstate Highway 10) about 11:10 p.m. on Saturday (April 25).
The identity of the deceased male suspect is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
HPD Sergeant J. Cruz, Officers K. Muldrow and L. Houston, all discharged their duty weapons and are assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division. Officer Houston suffered minor cuts, while Sergeant Cruz and Officer Muldrow were uninjured. Sergeant Cruz was sworn in as an officer in February 2007 and Officers Muldrow and Houston were sworn in March 2017 and October 2023, respectively.
HPD Homicide Division Special Investigations Unit Sergeant E. Wohlgemuth and Detective K. Vu reported:
HPD responded to multiple 911 calls reporting an individual shooting at employees in the rear area of a business at the above address. Officers responded and upon arrival, they observed an open rear fire exit door to the business. Officers announced their presence at the doorway before making entry into the building.
Once inside, officers encountered a male suspect armed with a handgun and wearing body armor who began firing at them from an office area. Three HPD officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect more than one time. Officers then rendered first aid until he was transported by the Houston Fire Department to an area hospital. The suspect was later pronounced deceased.
Further investigation and witness statements revealed the suspect had broken into at least one vehicle parked behind the business, which triggered a car alarm. When employees exited through a rear fire exit door to investigate, the suspect began shooting at them, prompting them to retreat back inside. The suspect then followed the employees into the building through the open door. Employees were able to take shelter and call 911. No employees were injured during the incident.
As is customary in officer involved shootings, this incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide Division Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
JKS/SOA 4-27-26
Inc. #053151926