Officers responding to assault call shoot, kill suspect who fired gun after opening door

HOUSTON – A suspect was killed after the Houston Police Department said he fired gunshots at two officers who were responding to an assault call north of downtown Friday.

It happened at the Exchange Apartments located at 1250 Leona Street around 5:45 p.m.

According to Executive Assistant Chief Ban Tien, two officers responded to an assault call at the complex and arrived within five minutes of being dispatched.

When they arrived, the officers approached the apartment unit and knocked on the door and rung the doorbell. When they did, Tien said a man inside cracked the door and began firing gunshots towards the officers.

The officers returned fire before taking cover and calling for backup. More units began arriving and the incident became treated as a barricaded suspect. However, officers began hearing a woman’s voice inside the apartment. At that point, they entered the apartment and found the suspect dead.

A woman was also inside. Tien said she did not appear to have any major injuries. No officers were injured in the shooting.

The suspect is believed to be in his mid-20s.

One of the officers involved in the shooting has been on the job for three years and is in his early 30′s. The other officer has been on the job for less than a year and is in his early 20′s.

Tien said the officers will be placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

HPD’s victim services have also responded to the scene to assist the woman who was inside the apartment.

Tien said two weapons were found inside the apartment. One was an AK-type pistol along with another semi-automatic pistol.

Tien said this is believed to be the first time they have responded to this particular apartment unit.

This is the second officer-involved shooting within two days in the city of Houston.

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