March 21, 2014 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which an HPD officer discharged his duty weapon at an armed suspect at 11050 Southwest Freeway (U.S. Highway 59 South) about 11:15 p.m. on Thursday (March 20).

Officer E. Garza, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured.  Officer Garza was sworn in as an HPD officer in July 2006 and is assigned to the Westside Patrol Division.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants M. McStravick, T. Simmons and Officers L. Wright and S. Overstreet reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a loud noise disturbance involving a large number of people at a hotel at the above address.  While they were at the scene, an unknown suspect discharged a firearm.  Officers began checking the parking lot and were told someone in a Jeep Cherokee had been shooting a gun.  As Officer Garza approached the vehicle to investigate, the driver refused to stop and the officer observed the front passenger raise a gun.  Officer Garza, fearing for his safety, discharged his duty weapon at the suspect.  The occupants of the vehicle then fled the scene southbound on the Southwest Freeway service road.

It is not believed anyone was injured.  There are currently no arrests nor charges in this incident.

Anyone with information on the wanted suspects is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

As is customary when an HPD officer discharges his duty weapon in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.