Incident at 6200 West Bellfort May 13, 2007 - A suspect who pointed a gun at a uniformed Houston police officer was fatally shot by the officer at 6200 West Bellfort about 2:30 p.m. on Saturday (May 12). The suspect, Hegnor Irias (H/m, DOB: 3-12-85), suffered at least one gunshot wound and died at the scene. Officer K.R. Barnes, assigned to the Fondren Patrol Division, was sworn in as an HPD officer in March 1998. Officer Barnes was not injured. HPD Homicide Division Sergeant S.R. Kennedy and Officer T.W. Miller reported: Officer Barnes and his partner, Officer M.R. Roberts, responded to a robbery call to a parking lot at 6405 West Bellfort where a female victim reported being robbed at gunpoint of her purse. The victim provided a description of the suspect to the 911 operator and advised he left the location on a bicycle. As officers were searching the area, they saw the suspect (Irias) go into the Bel Lindo Apartments at 6200 West Bellfort. Officer Roberts pursued Irias on foot into the complex as Officer Barnes drove the patrol vehicle in an attempt to cut off Irias' escape on the east side of the complex. Irias hid inside a fenced patio area of an apartment and managed to escape when confronted by Officer Roberts. Irias ran east through the complex and was confronted by Officer Barnes, who was now also on foot. Officer Barnes told the suspect to drop his gun, but Irias refused. When Irias ran toward Officer Barnes and pointed his gun at the officer, Officer Barnes discharged his duty weapon twice, striking Irias. Officers called for paramedics, who later arrived and pronounced Irias dead. The suspect's 38-caliber revolver handgun was recovered at the scene. As is customary with HPD officer-involved shootings in the city limits, the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions and the Harris County District Attorney's office are investigating the incident. GO/JFC 5-13-07 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |