Houston Officers Fatally Shoot Armed Suspect on North Freeway

Houston Police Department (HPD) officers fatally shot an armed male suspect at 10718 North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45) on Saturday, May 17, at approximately 3:45 p.m.

The identity of the deceased male suspect is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Officers L. Houston, sworn in October 2023, and G. Khan, sworn in August 2024, both assigned to the Northbelt Patrol Division, discharged their duty weapons. Neither officer was injured in the incident.

According to HPD Special Investigations Unit Detectives K. Vu and M. Childs, officers were initially dispatched to a minor three-vehicle crash in the 10300 block of the North Freeway. Two of the vehicles remained at the scene, but a third vehicle, described as a green SUV, fled the location. Officers moved the initial crash off the freeway and issued a general broadcast for the fleeing SUV.

Additional Northbelt patrol officers located the green SUV in the area and made contact with the driver. As officers attempted to detain the driver for the crash investigation, the driver reportedly lifted his shirt, reached for a visible gun in his waistband, and pulled out the weapon. In response, two HPD officers discharged their duty weapons multiple times, striking the suspect.

Officers immediately began rendering aid to the suspect until Houston Fire Department paramedics arrived. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

As is standard procedure for HPD officer-involved shooting incidents within Houston city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.