February 17, 2014 - Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed suspect by an off-duty Houston police officer at 700 West Gulf Bank about 8:55 p.m. on Sunday (Feb. 16).

The deceased male, Oscar Gaspar (H/m, 17), of Houston, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The officer who discharged his weapon, C. Rodriguez, was not injured. Officer Rodriguez, assigned to the North Patrol Division, was sworn in as an officer in January 1992.

HPD Homicide Division Officers T. Ferguson, R. Ridel and S. Sylvester reported:

Off-duty Officer Rodriguez was in his personal vehicle when he observed a robbery/assault in-progress at the above address and stopped to assist the citizen (victim). One of the robbery suspects had a firearm under his shirt, which he pulled out in front of the officer. The officer pulled his weapon and discharged his firearm, striking the suspect. The suspect fled the scene and was found deceased in front of a nearby residence.

A second suspect, a juvenile male, fled the scene during the initial confrontation with the officer. That suspect was found at a nearby residence and was identified and detained by responding officers.

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 2-17-14
Inc #019897714