HOUSTON – A Houston officer was injured and a carjacking suspect died after getting into a shootout with authorities following a car chase in southwest Houston, the Houston Police Department said.
Officers were dispatched to the shooting around 11:20 a.m. at Highway 59 and Chimney Rock.
HPD Chief @TroyFinner and commanders are en route to @memorialherman medical center where an officer has been transported after being shot. He is in stable condition.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 11, 2023
The 20-year-old police officer was shot in his leg after a pursuit, and the suspect was also shot, HPD Police Chief Troy Finner said in a news conference.
The officer was taken to Memorial Hermann at the Texas Medical Center, and he is expected to make a full recovery. He has a 20-month-old child.
The man, who was the suspect, died at the hospital.
The suspect allegedly committed an aggravated carjacking on Friday at Highway 59 and Beechnut, and an officer found the stolen vehicle on Highway 59.
Police followed the vehicle and did not use their siren, but the suspect still tried to flee.
A car chase began on the highway, and it ended once the suspect crashed into several vehicles at Interstate 610.
Finner said the suspect got out onto the highway, and he shot an officer, who later fell.
The suspect allegedly tried to carjack two people at the scene.
At least three officers fired their weapons at the suspect, and he was struck several times. Authorities are still investigating how many officers were involved in the shooting.
When the officer was shot, several citizens pulled the officer to safety, including a man who has had trouble with law enforcement officers before.
The injured officer is going to be placed on leave. HPD will undergo an internal investigation.
The identities of those involved were not released.
The Eastex Freeway at Chimney Rock remains closed.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.