Houston Police Officer Shoots Suspect Following Trespassing Investigation

Charges have been filed against a suspect in connection with an incident that occurred on Sunday, January 7th, at 8435 Tidwell Road in East Houston around 7:40 p.m.

The suspect, identified as Broderick Rax, 39, is facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a controlled substance in the 177th State District Court.

Rax, who was shot by Officer G. Chappell during the incident, is currently hospitalized in stable condition.

Officer Chappell, sworn in as an officer in July 2019 and assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division, discharged his duty weapon after officers patrolling the area observed a black Lincoln sedan parked on the side of a business with visible “No Trespassing” signs.

Approaching the vehicle, officers noticed Rax in the driver’s seat and informed him of the trespassing investigation, citing a strong smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Despite instructions to exit the vehicle, Rax refused and resisted officers’ attempts to remove him.

During the struggle, officers spotted a gun within the suspect’s reach on the driver’s side floorboard. Despite deploying conducted energy devices (Tasers), the officers were unsuccessful in detaining Rax. Observing the suspect reaching for the gun, one officer discharged his duty weapon, striking Rax once.

Following the shooting, Rax fled the vehicle and sought refuge in a nearby business, where officers apprehended him. First aid was administered to Rax on-site, and he was subsequently transported to a local hospital by Houston Fire Department paramedics.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was present at the scene and approved two felony charges against Rax. Standard procedures for investigating officer-involved shootings within Houston city limits are underway, led by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.