POLICE Department
Investigation into Attempted Assault of a Police Officer at 777 Bateswood
October 12, 2015 - Houston police are investigating an attempted assault of an HPD officer at 777 Bateswood that occurred about 8:10 p.m. last Friday (Oct. 9).
The suspect, John Garza (H/m, 22) was wounded and transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Senior Police Officer R. Caldwell, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident. Senior Officer Caldwell is assigned to the Westside Patrol Division and was sworn in as an officer in May 1994.
HPD Homicide Division Officers S. Glaze and M. Dykens reported:
Officers were dispatched to a burglary in-progress call at the Brighton Oaks Apartments at the above address at about 7:35 p.m. When officers arrived, they were unable to locate Garza and subsequently left. Garza then returned to the location and residents notified dispatch, who in turn sent Officer Caldwell back to the address. Upon returning, Garza was found on the second floor stairway landing at apartment complex. Officer Caldwell gave Garza verbal commands to come down to the ground level, at which time Garza displayed a knife and began to engage Officer Caldwell. Officer Caldwell gave commands to Garza to drop the knife, but Garza continued to engage the officer and began running down the stairs. Officer Caldwell, in fear of his life, discharged his duty weapon more than one time, striking Garza.
As is customary in officer-involved shooting incidents inside the City of Houston, this incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
Inc. #130647615
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
