Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed male suspect by an HPD officer at 9255 West Sam Houston Parkway South (Beltway 8) about 5:50 p.m. on Thursday (May 15).
The identity of the deceased male suspect, 40, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
HPD Officer N. Ruiz-Valbuena, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in the incident. Officer Ruiz-Valbuena was sworn in as an officer in October 2023 and is assigned to the Westside Patrol Division.
HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeant E. Wohlgemuth and Detective C. Walker reported:
HPD patrol officers responded to a call about a suicidal individual at an apartment complex at the above address. Officers located the apartment where the call came from and were met by a female who stated she called regarding her brother.
At that moment, a male appeared behind the female and suddenly charged out of the apartment with a large knife in his hand. He ran directly toward the officers who were just outside the doorway. The officers began to retreat, but the male continued to advance. Fearing for their safety and the safety of others, one officer discharged his duty weapon multiple times, striking the male.
Officers secured the male and immediately began administering medical aid. Paramedics transported the male to an area hospital where doctors pronounced him deceased. No officers were injured.
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.
SOA/ECR 5-16-25
Inc. #063297925