Police: Officers open fire on out-of-control driver

Officials say man led officers on short police chase

HOUSTON – Police said they were forced to open fire on an out of control driver who nearly ran two officers down.

Investigators said the incident started when valets at a restaurant on Washington and Houston Avenue called police. They said a man was driving outside in the parking lot, trying to get into the business to park, but wasn't allowed to.

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"He tried to intimidate the valets outside by revving up his engine and moving back and forth," said John Cannon with the Houston Police Department.

An officer responded and tried to talk to the man, who was described as in his 50s. Police said instead of talking, the man took off, causing a short police chase.

Police said he was weaving in and out of traffic, going on the wrong side of the road at times. At one point, investigators said the suspect lost control and began heading directly towards the officer's vehicle.

"At that time, both officers got out of their vehicle to take cover," said Cannon. "The suspect accelerated in the head-on position toward the officers. That's when both officers discharged their duty weapons."

The officers missed, and police said the man put his vehicle into reverse and eventually crashed into a police vehicle, disabling the man's vehicle.

Police said the man took off on foot, but police said a Metro officer was able to discharge his taser and subdue the man.

The case will be referred to the district attorney. Police said the man could face aggravated assault of a police officer and evading arrest charges.


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