December 28, 2012 - Charges are pending against a suspect arrested in an incident in which a Houston police officer discharged his duty weapon at the suspect in the 1500 block of Ruthven about 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 26).

The suspect, Jamal Saints (b/m, DOB: 4-26-71), faces a charge of aggravated assault of a peace officer. Saints suffered gunshot wounds and was transported to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital by private vehicle. A photo of Saints is not availalble at this time.

Senior Police Officer S. Farquhar, who discharged his duty weapon, suffered a minor leg injury and was treated at the scene. Officer Farquhar was sworn in as an officer in August 1999 and is assigned to the Central Patrol Division.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant K. Tolls and Senior Police Officer R. Cervantes reported:

While on patrol, Officer Farquhar saw several suspicious males in an area known for narcotics activity. As Officer Farquhar approached, the males fled and Officer Farquhar pursued them on foot. At that time, Officer Farquhar saw another suspicious male emerge from behind a house and quickly get into a red sedan parked in the street and then lock the car door. Officer Farquhar identified himself as an officer and gave the suspect repeated verbal commands to exit the vehicle, which were ignored.

The suspect then started the vehicle and drove toward Officer Farquhar, striking him in the leg. As the officer attempted to get out of the way, the suspect continued to drive the vehicle toward Officer Farquhar. Fearing for his life, Officer Farquhar discharged his duty weapon several times at the vehicle. The vehicle then veered away from the officer and fled at a high rate of speed, eastbound on Ruthven.

Investigators later received information that a male (Saints) with gunshot wounds had arrived by private vehicle at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. Further investigation idenitified Saints as the suspect in this case and he was subsequently charged.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

VHS/KJS 12-27-12
Inc. #162463012