SOUTH HOUSTON, Texas – A South Houston Police Officer is in the intensive care unit after a suspect opened fire during a traffic stop early Friday morning, according to South Houston Police. The suspect was killed in a return of fire by responding officers.
Surveillance obtained by KPRC 2 community news partner Grizzy’s Hood News captured the audio of the confrontation — including an officer’s commands and rapid gunfire.
“Driver! Your hands! Move your hands!” an officer commands on the footage.
Seconds later, the sound of rapid gunfire erupts.
“Your hands now!” — followed by multiple gunshots.
South Houston Police say the incident began as a traffic stop before 1 a.m. The driver refused to stop, leading officers on a slow-speed chase for several miles before pulling into a location near 6th Street and Avenue B.
Two of the three responding officers approached the vehicle — one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger’s side. Police say the officer on the passenger’s side noticed the man had a shotgun. Within moments, investigators body camera footage captured the suspect opening fire.
“The guy opened fire on the officer striking him in the head. The other officers there returned fire and the opponent is no longer alive,” a South Houston police official said.
Witnesses in the area reported bursts of gunfire before seeing a large police presence descend on the area.
“We thought we were getting shot at,” a witness said.
The injured officer was transported to a hospital and remains in the ICU in stable condition. South Houston Police said they are grateful for the medical care the officer is receiving and wish the officer a speedy recovery.
The names of the officer and suspect have not been released. KPRC 2 News will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.
The South Houston Police Officers’ Association posted a statement on social media:
We want to begin by recognizing our night shift officers for the outstanding job they did during the officer-involved shooting. Your professionalism, quick thinking, and dedication do not go unnoticed.
A special thank you to our dispatcher—your calm communication, coordination, and ability to manage high pressure situations played a critical role.
We also want to give thanks to our neighboring agencies for their swift response and assistance. Your support and coordination are greatly appreciated during such critical moments.
At this time, we ask for continued thoughts and prayers for our officer as he recovers. We are grateful to report they are receiving care, and we are wishing them a full and speedy recovery.
South Houston Police Officers' Association