HOUSTON – A burglary suspect and a police officer got into a shootout in northwest Houston, leaving the suspect wounded.
Investigators said it started when someone called 911 at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to report that three men in hoodies broke into a home in the 6000 block of Black Maple Lane and Gum Grove Lane.
A witness said the suspects took off in a black BMW and minutes later, officers spotted them.
"The vehicle starts slowing down, doors open, three of the suspects exit the vehicle and run. Our officers exit the patrol vehicle as he's fleeing the scene," said Victor Senties, a spokesman for the Houston Police Department.
One suspect began firing a gun in an officer's direction, according to officials. The officer shot back, hitting the man in the leg.
Investigators said the shooting suspect refused to surrender.
"He's still fumbling around on the ground. He gets up again and fires several shots and the officer, in fear of his life, returns fire," said Senties.
The suspect was taken to Ben Taub Hospital with a non-life-threatening wound to the leg, police said. His condition was not released. The officer was not hit, but did receive some cuts and bruises.
The other two suspects remained on the loose. The getaway car was found nearby on West Little York, officials said.
Officer M. Hernandez was involved in the shooting. He has been with HPD since 2007. He was not hurt during this incident.