POLICE Department
Investigation into Shooting Incident at 301 Benmar
December 5, 2016 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which two HPD officers discharged their weapons striking an aggravated robbery suspect at 301 Benmar at about 1:35 a.m. today.
The suspect, Francisco Javier Solais (H/m, 26), was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in stable condition. He faces charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer and aggravated robbery.
Officers J. Brown and D. Guzman, who discharged their duty weapons, were sworn in as HPD officers in June 2012 and are assigned to the Gang Division. Neither officer was injured in this incident.
HPD Homicide Division Officers S. Gromyko and M. Cass reported:
Officers Brown and Guzman, riding a two-man unit, attempted to stop Solais driving a van at a high rate of speed. Solais refused to stop and led officers on a short pursuit. He then stopped at 301 Benmar with the officers' patrol vehicle parked directly behind the van. Solais then got out of the van with a pistol in his hand and ran across the parking lot and away from the officers. Officers Brown and Guzman pursued the suspect on foot and attempted to apprehend him. Once physical contact was made, Solais discharged his pistol at the officers, missing them. The officers returned fire, striking the suspect more than one time. The officers then immediately rendered first aid until Houston Fire Department personnel responded to the location and transported Solais to the hospital where he is expected to survive.
Further investigation revealed that, prior to the shooting, Solais is believed to have committed an aggravated robbery at 137 West Dyna Drive. A second male suspect was detained by a security guard during the course of the robbery and is facing a charge of aggravated robbery.
As is customary when an officer discharges a weapon in the city limits and causes and injury, this incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
JKS/JFC 12-5-16
Inc. #154132616
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
