May 2, 2012 - Houston police are investigating the wounding of an armed robbery suspect by on-duty Houston police officers at 10550 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) service road about 2:20 a.m. today (May 2). 

The male suspect, age unknown, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition.  Doctors expect him to survive his injuries. 

Officers M. A. De La Cerda and D. A. Morelli, who discharged their duty weapons, were not injured in this incident.  Officer De La Cerda, sworn in as an officer in February 2007, and Officer Morelli, sworn in as an officer in November 2006, are assigned to the Gang Division. 

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Rhoads and Senior Police Officer R. Swainson reported:

Officers De La Cerda and Morelli, assigned to the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), saw a male suspect enter a 24-hour video store at the above location in a suspicious manner.  Officers returned to the location and determined the suspect had entered the business armed with a shotgun.  The suspect demanded money from a safe, which an employee could not open.  The employee then opened a register and allowed the suspect to take the money.  The suspect then struck the employee in the back of the head with the shotgun.  Officers De La Cerda and Morelli, who had made their way back to the business, opened the glass door and saw the suspect behind the counter with the shotgun.  Fearing for their safety, both officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect.  The suspect was then taken into custody and transported by HFD paramedics to the hospital.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shootings occurring 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  5-2-12
Inc. #055358512