Officer-Involved Shooting at 5300 Hershe

September 18, 2008 - A kidnapping suspect who pointed a weapon at a young child was shot by a Houston police officer at 5300 Hershe about 10 a.m. on Wednesday (September 17).

The suspect suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office. The 11 year-old male victim was not injured.

Officer C. Sellers, assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division, was sworn in as an officer in August 1998. Officer Sellers, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant C. E. Elliott and Senior Police Officer A. Mares reported:

Officers were patrolling the apartment complex at 5300 Hershe as part of the Hurricane Ike mobilization when Officer Sellers heard a child screaming for help. Officer Sellers ran toward the scream, around the corner of an apartment building, and saw the suspect dragging the young boy while holding a short barreled shotgun in his other hand.

Officer Sellers directed the suspect to drop the weapon and release the child. The suspect refused to obey Officer Sellers’ commands and began to raise the shotgun toward the juvenile’s head when Officer Sellers discharged his duty weapon at the suspect.

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'’ office are investigating the incident.

GO/JC
Inc #136754608

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.