HOUSTON – Police said a suspect was killed in an officer-involved shooting after firing at officers in southwest Houston Friday.
Investigators said the shooting happened on Westpark and Gessner just before 2 a.m. Friday.
Police said a man and a woman in a pickup truck were apparently caught in the middle and sped away. Officers pulled the couple over on Bissonnet and the Southwest Freeway for speeding.
“The occupants of the vehicle stated that they were driving at a high rate of speed because someone was shooting at another car and they were in fear for their life,” said HPD Executive Assistant Chief James Jones.
While officers were talking to the couple, they said a man in his 20s parked at a Shell gas station and waited. He then walked over to officers and there was an exchange of words, investigators said.
“The suspect reached into his pants and he eventually pulled a gun, the officers gave commands to drop it. We believe the suspect fired at least one time,” said Jones. Police said they believe they heard the man say, “Just shoot me.”
Three officers returned fire and the man died at a hospital, police said. The officers were not hurt during the incident.
“We are very fortunate they’re ok as well. They’re lucky,” said Jones.
Police said the man’s car does match the description of the car involved in the road rage incident.
“It was a small black sedan so it’s close, but we won’t know for sure until we find some additional evidence,” said Jones.
Investigators said they’ll go to that original scene at Westpark and Gessner to search for surveillance video to help in the investigation to determine if the man killed was involved.
The man’s identity has not been released.
