HPD: Off-duty officer shoots at car thief

HOUSTON – An off-duty Houston police officer shot at a thief who tried to break into his car in southeast Houston Wednesday, officials said.

Investigators said the officer, G. Parker, was in his home in the 10000 block of Sagetrail at Hughes Road at 3 a.m. when he spotted someone on his home surveillance system trying to break into his car in the driveway.

Police said Parker picked up a gun and confronted the car thief.

"As he goes outside and he yells verbal commands at the suspect to stop, the suspect crouches down behind a vehicle," HPD spokesman Victor Senties said. "He's got his hands concealed. He suddenly pops out from behind the vehicle and runs in a direction toward the officer."

Investigators said Parker fired several shots at the man.

The man did not appear to be hit and escaped.

Parker is a 13-year veteran of HPD and is assigned to the Southeast Patrol Division.