August 24, 2022 - Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of an armed suspect by HPD officers at 14717 North U.S. Highway 59 about 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday (August 23).

The identity of the suspect, 52, is pending verification by Montgomery County Forensic Services.

Sergeant S. Duvall and Officers D. Inocencio, J. Luna and A. Lopez, who discharged their duty weapons, were not injured in the incident. The four officers are assigned to the North Belt Division and were sworn in as officers in March 2009, July 2018, May 2017 and March 2017, respectively.

HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeant M. Ynosencio and Detectives T. Vaca, A Alvarado, V. Praxedes and O. Flores reported:

The suspect arrived at a commercial building in the 400 block of Benmar Drive and, at gunpoint, took a female employee from the location against her will. A short time later, the suspect contacted the employee's supervisor and threatened to harm the employee if the supervisor did not meet with him. The supervisor met with the suspect and the suspect then released the female employee. The suspect then, at gunpoint, took the supervisor against her will and ordered her to drive north on U.S. Highway 59.

HPD patrol officers were able to locate the vehicle traveling on North U.S. Highway 59 and observed the suspect and the female pull into a gas station at the above address. Officers arrived and surrounded the vehicle, at which time the suspect reached for a gun. Fearing for their safety, a sergeant and three officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect. Paramedics pronounced the suspect deceased.

The female kidnapping victim was not injured.

As is customary when an HPD officer discharges a weapon causing injury, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit and the Internal Affairs Division. In addition, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation since the shooting incident occurred in the county's limits.