A Houston police officer was attacked and beaten early Sunday by a gang of suspects who were allegedly trying to rob him.
According to police, Officer E. Reyes, who was off-duty and in plain clothes, was working at a parking lot in the 2300 block of Fannin around 1: 20 a.m. when he was approached by a suspect.
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The suspect said his vehicle had been damaged in the parking lot and led Reyes to the far corner of the lot to look at the damage. While the officer and the suspect were walking, they were joined by another man.
Once the first suspect pointed to a vehicle, the two suspects, along with a third suspect, began striking Reyes in the head. Reyes fell to the ground and the suspects continued kicking and punching him.
Reyes, in fear of his life, drew his handgun and announced that he was a police officer. The suspects continued punching and kicking the officer and attempted to take his firearm from him. The handgun was knocked to the ground, police said.
Reyes was able to regain control of the weapon and then fired one time at the suspects. None of the suspects was believed to have been struck by the round. The suspects then fled on foot through the parking lot and remain at large.
One suspect is described as heavyset, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and wearing a black and white striped shirt.
Reyes, who is assigned to the South Central Patrol Station, suffered lacerations and contusions to his face and head during this incident.
Anyone with information on the wanted suspects or in this incident is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.