January 13, 2015 - Charges have been filed against a burglary suspect wounded in a shooting incident at 10902 Montverde about 2:45 p.m. on Friday (Jan. 9).

The suspect, Ismael Garcia (H/m, 20), is charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and burglary of a habitation in the 262nd State District Court. Garcia suffered non life-threatening gunshot wounds and was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital.  A photo of Garcia is not available at this time.

Officer R. Saini, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident.  Officer Saini, assigned to the Westside Patrol Division, was sworn in as an officer in January 2010.

HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officer R. Nunez and Officer G. Sullivan reported:

Garcia knocked on the back door of the residence at the above address.  The residents inside, including a young child, did not answer the door. Garcia then fired a handgun through the back door, forcing his way into the home. The residents escaped through the front of the house and ran across the street for help. Neighbors called 911 and saw the suspect exit the back of the residence. Neighbors then yelled for the suspect to stop and followed him a short distance, until he pulled a handgun and fired in their direction.

Officer Saini arrived on the scene and witnesses pointed out Garcia out to him, stating Garcia was armed and had previously fired his weapon at them. Officer Saini exited his patrol vehicle and saw Garcia holding a pistol.  Officer Saini gave Garcia verbal commands to drop the gun and get on the ground, which Garcia ignored and continued to walk away carrying the gun. Officer Saini pursued Garcia and again gave him verbal commands, at which point Garcia pointed his gun at the officer. Officer Saini, in fear of his safety, fired his weapon at Garcia, who continued to flee. Officer Saini again ordered Garcia to drop the gun and get on the ground. Garcia refused and instead pointed his gun at the officer a second time. Officer Saini, again in fear of his safety, fired his weapon at Garcia, striking him. Garcia was then taken into custody and his handgun was recovered at the scene.

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.



JKS/VHS  1-13-15
Inc. #003652815