Aggravated Assault of a Peace Officer at 13429 Louisville August 19, 2009 - Houston police are investigating the shooting of an armed suspect by two on-duty Harris County Sheriff’s deputies at 13429 Louisville Drive about 8:35 p.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 18). The suspect, Billy Joe Garza (H/m, DOB: 6-16-83) suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in an unknown condition. Garza faces two charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon of a peace officer. Harris County Sheriff’s deputies A. Hulsey and D. Tipps, who discharged their duty weapons, were not injured in this incident. HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Rubio and Officer J. Johnston reported: Deputies Hulsey and Tipps attempted to stop a black Dodge Neon, driven by Garza, who was wanted for several felony warrants. Garza refused to stop and Deputies Hulsey and Tipps pursued him in their patrol vehicles through a residential neighborhood. The Neon then blew out a front tire and stopped in front of a residence at 13429 Louisville Drive. Garza, with a gun in his hand, and a 16-year-old female passenger both exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies Tipps and Hulsey chased both suspects on foot into the backyard of the residence. Garza ran to the side of the residence, tripped and fell to the ground, then turned and pointed his pistol and fired at the deputies. Fearing for his life and that of his fellow deputy, Deputy Hulsey returned fire but did not strike Garza. Garza got up, ran towards the backyard gate, and then turned and fired again at the deputies. Deputies Hulsey and Tipps, fearing for their safety, both discharged their duty weapons and struck Garza several times. Garza was then taken into custody and transported to the hospital. The juvenile female was later found, questioned, and released at the scene. As is customary in officer-involved shootings occurring within the city limits, this case will be investigated by the HPD Homicide Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. VHS/KJS For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 . |
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