Five officers injured in shootout; 2 suspects dead, chief says

HOUSTON – Five Houston Police police officers were injured Monday afternoon in a shootout while serving a warrant in southeast Houston, according to police.

The shooting happened in the 7800 block of Harding Street in the Gloverdale neighborhood while officers were serving a search warrant for narcotics activity; specifically, the distribution of black tar heroin.

Twelve HPD narcotics officers and six patrol officers from the Eastside Division arrived at 4:15 p.m., police said.

As officers breached the front door of the residence around 5 p.m. while announcing they were Houston police officers, they were met with gunfire from at least one of two suspects, Houston police Chief Art Acevedo said.

The officers returned fire, killing both suspects.

Four officers, ages 40 to 54, were hit with gunfire and another officer, 33, suffered a knee injury during the shootout.

The five officers were taken via LifeFlight helicopter or ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Watch the news conference with Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and other community leaders:

READ: Social media reaction in wake of officers' shooting

Acevedo said two officers are in surgery, in critical but stable condition. Both were hit by gunfire in the neck area.

The other two were injured by gunfire, one in the shoulder, but were expected to make a full recovery. 

Acevedo said the 54-year-old case agent leading the narcotics team Monday was one of two critically injured officers shot in the neck. He said this case agent has been shot on the job several times before.

PHOTOS: Police officers shot in southeast Houston

Around 9 p.m., police said the officer who was shot in the shoulder has been released from Memorial Hermann Hospital. The other injured officers will remain at the hospital overnight.

Houston police officers used robots to search the residence after a SWAT standoff.

Police confirmed two suspects were found dead from gunshot wounds inside the house.

Around 7 p.m. police said the scene on Harding was secured and residents are being allowed back into their homes.

Witness cellphone video captured the chaotic moments in the wake of the shootout.

VIDEO: Cellphone video of officers' shooting scene

Police had asked citizens to avoid the Gloverdale neighborhood around the shooting scene for emergency vehicles. Police told KPRC2 that parts of the neighborhood near the scene had been evacuated. Harris County deputies are also responded to the scene to assist Houston police officers.

Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement on the shooting: "This evening's horrific attack on police officers is a solemn reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe. The city of Houston and the Houston Police Department will have whatever state resources they need to bring swift justice to those involved. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officers injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities."

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