Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in an incident in which a Houston Police officer discharged his duty weapon at a suspect following an altercation at 7500 North Main that occurred about 7:15 p.m. on Saturday (August 28).
The suspect, Mario Watts (b/m, 38) is charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer in the 338th State District Court. A photo of Watts, who remains hospitalized at this time, is not available for release.
HPD Officer K. Cummins, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident. Officer Cummins is assigned to the Gang Division and was sworn in as an officer in January 2016.
HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeant G. Rodgers and Detectives S. Mohajer, I. Ulloa, E. Rossow, R. Anderson and M. Childs reported:
Officer Cummins was on patrol and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Mercedes Benz, driven by Watts for a traffic violation while traveled northbound at the above address. Watts initially stopped his vehicle but refused to exit his vehicle to be questioned. Officer Cummins stood next to the open driver’s door of the vehicle and continued to give Watts verbal commands to exit the vehicle, which he ignored. Watts then started his vehicle and attempted to drive away.
As Watts was attempted to evade arrest, Officer Cummins tried to pull him from the vehicle. Watts drove off and dragged Officer Cummins approximately 50 feet, causing numerous injuries. Fearing for his life, Officer Cummins discharged his duty weapon more than one time, striking Watts in the right leg and right arm. Officer Cummins and Watts fell from the vehicle, incapacitated. Both Officer Cummins and Watts received first aid before being transported by Houston Fire Department paramedics to Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries.
As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents in the city limits, the case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
JKS/VHS 8-30-21
Inc. #116365821