September 17, 2012 - Houston police are investigating the wounding of a male suspect at 8826 Beechnut about 11 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 16).

The male, 26, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in stable condition.

The three officers who discharged their weapons are A. Smith, C. Meade and C. Levrier of the Midwest Patrol Division.  Officer Smith was sworn in as an officer in September 2009, Officer Meade in April 2007 and Officer Levrier in June 2012.  None of the officers was injured.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant T. Simmons and Senior Police Officer T. Andrade reported:

Officers were dispatched to a suspicious person call stating there was a male with a gun at the apartments at the above location.  Upon arriving, officers found a male matching the description given.  The officers began giving the male verbal commands in English and Spanish to show his hands.  The male failed to comply and reached into his waistband.  Fearing the male was reaching for a gun, the three officers discharged their weapons, striking the male in the leg.

The male was transported to the hospital where he was interviewed.  Investigators learned the male has a history of mental illness and has attempted suicide several times, including just a couple of months ago.

In this incident, it appears the male was attempting to commit suicide by provoking a police response.  No charges have been filed at this time.

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



JFC/VHS    9-17-12
Inc #118301912