March 20, 2012 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which a Houston police officer discharged his duty weapon and wounded a suspect at 6725 Sherwood Drive about 8:20 p.m. on Tuesday (March 19). 

The male suspect, George Ralph Benard, 38, suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition. 

Officer F. Rodriguez, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in the incident.  Officer Rodriguez is assigned to the Narcotics Division and was sworn in as an officer in December 1992. 

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant T. Richardson and Officer J. Dominguez reported: 

HPD narcotics officers served a narcotics search warrant at the above addresss.  When officers entered the residence and identified themselves as police officers, the suspect ran into a back room of the house.  Officers gave repeated verbal commands to the suspect to stop and show his hands, which he ignored.  The suspect instead began reaching into his waistband as if grabbing a weapon.  Fearing for his life and the lives of his fellow officers, Officer Rodriguez discharged his duty weapon and struck the suspect.  The suspect was then transported to the hospital. 

A pellet gun was found near the suspect.  Officers also recovered narcotics inside the residence. 

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, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.



VHS/JFC  3-20-13
Inc. #033958813