December 28, 2011 - Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a male suspect by a HPD officer at 9300 Tidwell about 11:15 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 25).

The suspect, Blake A. Pate, 24, of Pearland, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant C.W. Hampton, who discharged his duty weapon, suffered minor injuries. Sergeant Hampton, assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division, was sworn in as an officer in June 1998.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant E. Cisneros and Senior Police Officer H. Chavez reported:

Sergeant Hampton observed a suspicious vehicle in the 9300 block of Tidwell. However, before he could conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle another motorist's vehicle. Sergeant Hampton approached the driver (Pate) who was now standing in the roadway. Pate immediately began acting aggressively toward Sergeant Hampton. While attempting to detain Pate, Pate attacked Sergeant Hampton and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Sergeant Hampton fell to the ground with Pate directly over him. Sergeant Hampton, fearing for his life, discharged his duty weapon several times, fatally striking Pate.

As is customary in cases which a HPD officer discharges a weapon causing any type of injury, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

KJS/VHS 12-28-11
Inc. #165748011