Houston Police Provide Update on Officer-Involved Shooting

July 27, 2023 – In a press conference earlier today, Executive Assistant Chief of Houston Police Department, Ben Tien, accompanied by Assistant Chief Bashir, Commanders Hasek, Rubin, and Spears, discussed an incident involving a stolen vehicle that led to a police pursuit and subsequent officer-involved shooting.

The pursuit began around 8:45 p.m. when an officer attempted to stop a stolen vehicle at the 6600 block of Hillcroft in the southwest part of town. The suspect refused to halt, prompting a vehicle pursuit. The suspect lost control of his vehicle near the intersection of Clarewood and Renwick, almost striking a pedestrian and crashing into a fence before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot. Officers pursued the suspect to an apartment complex at the 5800 block of Dashwood.

According to officers at the scene, the suspect was seen brandishing a firearm which he allegedly pointed at the officers. Officers responded by opening fire on the suspect, striking him multiple times. Despite immediate attempts at lifesaving measures, the suspect was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The deceased suspect, currently being identified as a Hispanic male in his mid-twenties, was in possession of a semi-automatic firearm at the time of the incident. Full identification and family notifications are still in progress.

Two officers were involved in the shooting, one with three years of service, and the other with five years. Both officers are in their early thirties and are from two separate divisions. The officers were unharmed in the incident.

Chief Tien also shared that the vehicle involved in the pursuit was a 2014 silver Toyota Tundra, stolen on the night of July 26. During the theft, the suspects allegedly discharged a firearm at the vehicle’s owner, who fortunately was not struck.

This incident highlights the dangers officers face on a daily basis, as they often have to make split-second decisions while working late into the night and early morning hours. Chief Tien ended the conference by offering condolences to the suspect’s family, keeping them in his prayers.

The investigation is still ongoing and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.