HOUSTON, Texas — A Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy fatally shot an armed suspect on Tuesday, April 9, in the 9700 block of Bertwood Street, as reported by Houston police. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m., is currently under investigation.
The male suspect's identity is yet to be confirmed by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. The deputy who fired his weapon was unharmed, according to HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeant E. Wohlgemuth and Detectives D. Escobar, C. Walker, and N. Barnes.
The incident began outside Houston city limits when deputies identified a vehicle matching the description of one involved in a recent road rage incident. The deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver evaded them, leading to a pursuit into Houston's northeast area. The suspect vehicle eventually crashed in the 5800 block of Polly Street, and five male suspects fled on foot. Two were arrested at the scene, while the other three continued to evade.
Additional deputies arrived at the scene and spotted a male suspect matching the description walking between two houses on Bertwood Street. As the deputy approached, the suspect reached for his waistband, ignoring verbal commands to stop. The suspect then produced a firearm, prompting the deputy to fire his weapon. The suspect fell but fired back at the deputy, hitting his patrol vehicle multiple times. A second deputy arrived and discharged his weapon at the suspect, who then dropped his firearm.
Medical assistance was provided to the suspect until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A fourth suspect was later located and arrested by a police K-9 unit, while a fifth suspect remains at large.
As per protocol for officer-involved shooting incidents within Houston city limits, the HPD Special Investigations Unit and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the case.
