15-Year-Old Charged in Officer-Involved Shooting in Houston’s Fifth Ward

Charges have been filed against a 15-year-old juvenile suspect accused of firing shots at Houston police officers in the 3700 block of Liberty Road in the Greater Fifth Ward around 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, December 12th.

The juvenile, whose name is not being released, was referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on a charge of aggravated assault of a peace officer. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.

Houston Police Department Officer L. Crawford, who discharged his duty weapon, was unharmed during the incident. Officer Crawford has served with the department since March 2017 and is assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division.

According to HPD Special Investigations Unit Detectives H. Le and C. Walker, HPD Northeast Patrol Division Crime Suppression Team officers were assisting the Narcotics Division with an investigation when undercover officers observed a suspected narcotics transaction involving two males, one of whom appeared to be armed.

As a marked patrol vehicle approached the scene, the officers activated emergency lights and exited the vehicle. Both males fled on foot, and officers pursued them.

The armed suspect fired at least two shots in the direction of the pursuing officers. In response, Officer Crawford discharged his weapon, striking the suspect. Officers at the scene provided immediate medical aid until Houston Fire Department paramedics arrived.

The second suspect, described as a Black male wearing a black hoodie, remains at large.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges on the juvenile suspect.

The incident is being investigated by HPD’s Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, as is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings within Houston city limits.