April 20, 2023 - Houston police are investigating a shooting incident involving an officer with another police agency at 1100 West Main Street about 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday (April 19).

No one was struck when the duty weapon of an officer with the University of St. Thomas Police Department discharged during a struggle with a male suspect on the school's campus.

HPD Special Investigations Unit Detectives D. Hammons, H. Le, C. King and S. Dau reported:

Officers with the University of St. Thomas (UST) Police Department were notified that a former student (suspect) was observed displaying suspicious behavior in the lobby of the campus library.  An officer responded and made contact with the suspect.  As the officer was escorting the suspect out of the building, the suspect became irate and combative, and attempted to flee the scene.  The officer attempted to detain the suspect but, during the response to the suspect's resistance, the suspect was able to unholster the officer's duty weapon (pistol).  The officer immediately attempted to regain control of his weapon but, during the struggle, the suspect managed to engage the trigger and a live round was discharged. The fired round did not strike anyone or cause any injuries as it struck the ground.  Soon after the weapon was discharged, the officer was able to regain control of his weapon.  At that time, the suspect struck the officer in his face with a closed fist.  As responding officers arrived on the scene, they were able to assist the officer in taking the suspect into custody without further incident.

The suspect, 29, is facing pending charges of aggravated assault of a peace officer and disarming a peace officer.  He was taken to an area hospital for treatment of an unknown injury to his shoulder.

As is customary when a law enforcement officer discharges a weapon in the city limits, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit.

*NOTE: Media partners will need to contact the University of St. Thomas for the name of the suspect (once he's charged in a court) and the officer. 

 

JFC/JKS  4-20-23
Inc #055148823