Houston Man Charged After Pointing Gun at Father and Child, Leading to Officer-Involved Shooting

HOUSTON, Texas — Charges have been filed against a man who was shot by a Houston police officer after allegedly pointing a firearm at officers during a confrontation in west Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.

The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Letonto Gaspard, has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor Deadly Conduct in Harris County Criminal Courts at Law Nos. 3 and 4.

Gaspard remains hospitalized, and a booking photograph was not immediately available.

According to the Houston Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the incident began when a man was walking with his 1-year-old son in the 2400 block of Briargreen Drive and was allegedly confronted by another man armed with a firearm.

Investigators said the suspect pointed the weapon at the father and child. Neither was injured.

The father called 911, prompting officers to respond to the area.

Responding officers located a man matching the suspect’s description walking on Locke Lane. Police said officers repeatedly ordered the suspect to stop and drop the firearm, but he ignored their commands and continued walking.

The encounter continued into the 2200 block of Briarview Drive, where investigators say Gaspard began pointing his firearm toward two responding officers.

At that point, Officer A. Said discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect at least once.

Officers immediately took Gaspard into custody and provided first aid until Houston Fire Department paramedics arrived and transported him to a local hospital.

Officer Said was not injured during the incident. He has been with the Houston Police Department since March 2022 and is assigned to the Westside Patrol Division.

After reviewing the case, investigators consulted with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which approved charges against Gaspard.

The officer-involved shooting remains under investigation, as is standard procedure in such incidents.