HPD Investigates Fatal Shooting of Armed Suspect by Officer in Central Houston

Houston Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred last Friday (March 1) at 1250 Leona Street around 5:50 p.m. The incident involved an armed male suspect being shot by an HPD officer.

The identity of the deceased male is awaiting verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. The officers involved, identified as T. Kang and D. Samaniego, discharged their duty weapons during the incident but sustained no injuries. Officer Kang has been with the force since August 2021, while Officer Samaniego joined in January 2024. Both officers are assigned to the Central Patrol Division.

The incident began when HPD patrol officers responded to a report of an assault in progress at an apartment complex on Leona Street. Upon locating the apartment in question, officers attempted to make contact with the occupants inside. During this time, they heard a female screaming from within the apartment.

As Officers Kang and Samaniego tried to open the front door, the armed suspect emerged, pointing a pistol at them and initiating gunfire. In response, the officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Houston Fire Department paramedics arrived at the scene and pronounced the suspect dead.

Per standard protocol for HPD officer-involved shootings within city limits, the case is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.