July 9, 2024 - Houston police have arrested a suspect charged in the shooting of a Houston police officer at 6000 Hollister Street about 8 p.m. on Monday (July 8).

The suspect, Ricardo Lezama, 39, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant in the 230th State District Court.  A booking photo of Lezama is attached to this news release.

The wounded officer, F. Garcia, 36, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to Memorial Hermann- Texas Medical Center in stable condition.  Officer Garcia is assigned to the Northwest Patrol Division and was sworn in as an officer in February 2014.  He did not discharge his duty weapon.  

HPD Special Investigations Unit Detectives D. Hammons, M. Childs and V. Lewis reported:

Officer Garcia, riding with a partner, responded to a report of an assault in-progress call at an apartment complex at the above address and upon arrival were flagged down by several citizens who advised them of a disturbance near a building.  As the officers approached the building, a witness told them the suspect was armed with a gun.  Once officers approached the apartment, they saw a male (suspect) in the doorway arguing with someone inside the apartment. 

Officers gave the suspect verbal commands to show his hands and step away from the door.  The suspect then turned toward the officers and began firing shots in their direction.  Officer Garcia was struck by the gunfire.  The uninjured officer then gave the suspect verbal commands. again, to show his hands and to come from behind a wooden fenced patio.  The suspect, later identified as Lezama, complied and was taken into custody without further incident.

Additional officers who responded to the address were able to render first aid to Officer Garcia before paramedics transported him to the hospital.  

No officers discharged duty weapons in the incident.

As is customary in shooting incidents involving a law enforcement officer in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.



Ricardo Lezama



JKS/JFC   7-9-24
Inc. #097917724