August 14, 2024 - Houston police are investigating the apparent suicide of a suspect at the conclusion of a police pursuit in which an HPD officer discharged his duty weapon at 4301 Alconbury Lane about 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday (August 13).

The identity of the suspect, 53, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Officer J. Cruz, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident. Officer Cruz is assigned to the Southeast Patrol Division and was sworn in as an officer in March 2023.

HPD Homicide Division Special Investigations Unit Detectives D. Hammons and M. Childs reported:

HPD officers responded to a report of a police pursuit by League City Police Department that was entering the City of Houston's jurisdiction. The pursuit begun in Dickinson after League City Police officers attempted to detain a robbery suspect. The suspect fled in his vehicle and League City officers initiated a vehicle pursuit into Houston, which ended in a crash at the above address.

Following the crash, the suspect exited the vehicle with a weapon in his hand. HPD Officer Cruz, who had been involved in the pursuit, discharged his duty weapon at the suspect. At this time, it is not believed the suspect was struck. The suspect then raised his weapon and shot himself. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding paramedics.

As is customary in incidents when a person dies in the presence of HPD officers, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.