HOUSTON – A suspect was shot by a police officer following a robbery in northeast Houston.
The shooting happened at 2400 Brewster Street at around 2:30 p.m.
Correction: the address is 2400 Brewster. https://t.co/AwSQVMb65i
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 17, 2023
According to Executive Assistant Chief Ban Tien with the Houston Police Department, the incident started at approximately 2:30 p.m., when police received a call of a robbery at a Family Dollar located in the 3300 block of Liberty Street.
Police were told a suspect stole beer from the store and was attempting to leave when he was confronted by a clerk. The suspect then reportedly assaulted the clerk before leaving.
The manager, Martha Castilleja, said the man has tried to rob the store in the past and she watched him steal Sunday afternoon.
“He took Bud Light, two cases of Bud Light,” said Castilleja.
She said he pushed her colleague who tried to stop him from leaving, but he got away.
“I was so scared, I was shaking,” said Castilleja.
Officers responded to the scene and were given a description of the suspect. A secondary unit was also in the area and spotted a person which matched the description of the suspect.
Chrishaud Fennix said he watched the officer try to stop him.
“He got behind him and he told him to stop, but he didn’t,” said Fennix.
HPD said the officer grabbed the man and they began to struggle.
During the struggle, HPD said the suspect attempted to disarm the officer and also began assaulting him.
“He was beating the law man,” said a witness.
The officer sustained minor injuries, cuts and scratches to his face as well as bruising.
“That’s when the police officer said let go of my taser,” said Fennix.
The officer fired one shot into the suspect’s back, according to HPD.
“Based on a witnesses account, the officer was fighting for his life,” said Tien.
Subsequent units arrived on the scene and began providing aid to the suspect. He was taken to Ben Taub hospital where he reportedly underwent surgery.
Officers learned the suspect had a lengthy criminal history.
“He does have a confirmed open felony warrant for theft at this time,” said Tien.
HPD has not revealed the name of the suspect, but said the man is in stable condition. The officer was treated for minor injuries and is expected to be okay. Officers said they are reviewing body cameras and nearby surveillance video.