December 27, 2013 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which an HPD officer discharged his duty weapon at 12606 Westpark Drive about 4:15 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 26).

Officer M. Wallace, who discharged his weapon, was not injured in this incident. Officer Wallace was sworn in as an officer in June 2006 and is assigned to the Special Crimes Division.

HPD Officers E. Zugner and J. Saldana reported:

Officer Wallace was off-duty and in his private vehicle when he drove to the Walgreens at the above address. As he pulled into the parking lot, he observed a male exiting the store, carrying a large box. Two employees were seen chasing after him and shouting. The suspect then got into the front passenger's seat a tan Dodge Durango SUV.

Officer Wallace exited his vehicle, displayed his HPD credentials, identified himself as a police officer, and gave verbal commands for the driver of the Durango to stop the vehicle. Instead, the driver then attempted to run over Officer Williams, who, fearing for his safety, discharged his duty weapon, striking the SUV. The driver then fled northbound on South Dairy Ashford. At this time, it is not believed anyone inside the vehicle was struck.

The suspect, who it was later determined had stolen a box containing several cartons of cigarettes, is described only as a heavyset black male, about 6 feet 5 inches tall, wearing a red shirt. There are no available descriptions of the driver or a rear seat passenger. The vehicle is described as a tan or gold Durango, late 2000 model, with paper tags.

As is customary in incidents in which an officer discharges his weapon at a suspect in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.

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.

KJS/JFC 12-27-13
Inc. #160489413