Suspect Charged in Shooting Incident at 8600 Helmers Street

Charges have been filed against a robbery suspect wounded in an incident in which a Houston police officer discharged his duty weapon at 8600 Helmers Street about 9:15 a.m. on Sunday (July 15).

The suspect, Manuel Lopez Pizana (H/m, 18), is charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the 185th State District Court.  A photo of Pizana is not available at this time.  He was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.

Officer M. Singer, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident.  Officer Singer is assigned to the North Patrol Division and was sworn in as an HPD officer in August 2014.

HPD Homicide Division Special Investigations Unit Officers M. Rodriguez, R. Delarosa, G. Potter and M. Glover reported:

The incident began when a 60-year-old man was clearing a vacant lot in the 8600 block of Helmers Street. He was approached by the suspect who asked for a dollar.  The man stated he didn’t have any money for the suspect, who then left but returned a minute later.  When the suspect approached the man a second time, he produced a gun from his waistband, threatened the man and demanded his wallet and cellphone.  Fearing for his life, the man complied.  The suspect then fled the scene.

Responding HPD patrol officers remained in the area after gathering information for the report.  A short time later, they observed the suspect walking down Helmers Street.  The officers confronted the suspect and gave him verbal commands to surrender.  Instead, the suspect fled on foot.  Upon reaching the 600 block of Duff, the suspect began fumbling through his clothes and then produced a pistol.  Fearing for his safety and that of his partner, Officer Singer discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect.  Paramedics transported the suspect to an area hospital.  None of the officers in this incident was injured.

As is customary in officer-involved shootings that occur within the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the HPD Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

KJS/JFC  7-16-18
Inc. #090024918