April 4, 2012 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which a suspect fired gunshots at an off-duty Port of Houston Authority police officer at 10909 Gulf Freeway about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday (April 3).

Port of Houston Authority Officer C. Cazares, who discharged his duty weapon, suffered minor injuries to his hand.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant A. Semmelrock and Senior Police Officer T. Miller reported:

Port of Houston Officer Cazares was working an extra job at the apartment complex at the above location when he observed a Hispanic male suspect repeatedly coming and going from an apartment to a vehicle and then driving around the complex. When Officer Cazares approached the suspect to determine whether he was a resident, a verbal altercation ensued. The suspect then reached toward his pockets and refused verbal commands to stop, which led to a physical altercation as Officer Cazares attempted to detain the suspect. As the struggle continued, other male suspects, inside the vehicle, accompanying the suspect, switched seats and began to drive off. The suspect then freed himself from the officer and ran toward the vehicle and entered through the back passenger side door when it stopped at the front of the apartment complex. As the vehicle fled the scene, gunshots were fired in the officer's direction. Officer Cazares, in fear of his safety, discharged his duty weapon at least one time. Further investigation led to the recovery of a gun near the apartment complex exit where the suspects had fled the scene.

The suspects are described only as three Hispanic males driving in a light colored Nissan or Toyota sedan.

As is customary when a law enforcement officer discharges a weapon in the city limits, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide Division.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

JKS/JFC 4-4-12
Inc. #041497312