HOUSTON – An off-duty officer shot an accused robber after a woman notified him of a robbery, police said.
The officer was flagged down by the woman on Mercury Drive near Interstate 10 around 9 p.m. on Friday night.
The woman told the officer, Olvera, that she had just been robbed and the man responsible was driving a white Dodge Ram pickup truck, officers said.
Olvera then caught up with pickup truck, police said.
Authorities said Olvera pulled up to the driver's side of the man's vehicle and identified himself as a police officer. Officials said that Olvera commanded the man to stop, and the suspect raised his hand as if he had a weapon. Authorities said that Olvera feared for his life and believed the suspect had a gun, and shot at the man once.
The suspect sped off at a high rate of speed and led Olvera on a short chase until the pickup truck was struck by a Metro bus, police said. The crash caused the vehicle to spin into a grassy area of the freeway exit on the North Loop West, police said.
Police said Olvera got out his vehicle and ordered the man to show his hands. Police said the man was holding an object, and Olvera discharged his weapon again at the suspect, and the man fled on foot.
Police said it was unclear if the man was struck by the bullet. Police said Olvera attempted to search for the suspect, but could not locate him.
Police believe the man was picked up by another vehicle and taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center, where he was later found by police.
Officer Olvera has been with the police force for eight years, officials said.
Police said they are unsure if the accused thief was armed.
The incident is being investigated.