Charges Filed in Fatal Shooting of HPD Officer at 6700 Hillcroft June 24, 2009 - Charges have been filed against two adult suspects and one juvenile suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of an on-duty undercover Houston police officer and a male suspect in the 6700 block of Hillcroft about 9:35 p.m. on Tuesday (June 23). Two suspects, Xiomara Rosales Mendez (H/f, DOB: 3-22-74), and Andres Maldonado Nava (H/m, DOB: 11-30-67) are charged with capital murder in the 232nd State District Court. A third suspect, a female, 16, has been referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. A fourth suspect, Roberto Pedroza Carrillo (H/m, DOB: 10-24-71), suffered two gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Senior Police Officer Henry Canales, sworn in as an officer in July 1993, was assigned to the Auto Theft Division. Officer Canales, who discharged his firearm during the incident, suffered a gunshot wound to his left side and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he later died. Senior Police Officer R. Lopez, sworn in as an officer in July 1985, was also assigned to the Auto Theft Division. Officer Lopez, who also discharged his duty weapon in this incident, was not injured. HPD Homicide Division Sergeants O. L. Chandler and P. V. Muñoz, and Officers J. R. Johnston and M. A. Khan reported: Members of the HPD Auto Theft and Burglary and Theft Divisions were conducting a joint undercover operation to arrest individuals in a “theft by receiving” investigation in the 6700 block of Hillcroft. Officer Canales, assigned as an undercover officer, negotiated a deal with the suspects for stolen property. During the undercover operation, suspect Carrillo produced a firearm, and he, Mendez, and Nava attempted to rob Officer Canales of his vehicle and the merchandise. Officer Canales, in fear for his life, drew his duty weapon and exchanged gunfire with Carrillo. Officer Canales was fatally shot and Carrillo fled to the rear of the vehicle and collapsed. Officer Lopez, also an undercover officer, then approached Carrillo and attempted to take him into custody. Carrillo then reached back, pointed his gun towards Officer Lopez and fired at least twice. Officer Lopez, fearing for his life, drew his duty weapon, returned fire and struck Carrillo. Nava, Mendez and the juvenile female suspect fled the scene in Nava's vehicle and were taken into custody a short time later near the intersection of Bellaire and the Southwest Freeway (U. S. Highway 59 South). As is customary in officer-involved shootings in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.VHS/JFC/SRJ
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 . |
|
 |
|
