5 officers wounded in Houston shooting; 2 suspects dead

Author: Peter Martinez/CBS News
Published: Updated:
Scene where multiple police officers were shot. CBS photo.
Scene where multiple police officers were shot. CBS photo.

Houston shooting – what we know (CBS News)

  • Officers were serving a narcotics warrant when they were fired upon
  • 4 officers wounded by gunfire; 1 injured his knee; none died
  • 2 are in critical condition, in surgery; 1 has been discharged; 2 others in stable condition, expected to make full recovery and are being held for observation
  • 2 suspects confirmed dead
  • Shooting area has been secured

The Houston Police Department responded to a shooting in southeast Houston where several police officers were wounded Monday night when they were serving a narcotics warrant. Four officers were struck by gunfire and one injured his knee in the incident; they were all hospitalized. Two officers were wounded in the neck, remain in critical condition and are undergoing surgery.

When officers were serving the warrant, suspects immediately opened fire, according to police. Two were fatally shot by police. CBS affiliate KHOU-TV said the suspects had been barricaded inside a house and police had used a robot to secure the scene.

In a press briefing Monday night, officials said a warrant was being service because of the “alleged sale of black tar heroin” at a house.

Houston police officers’ union president: “We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives”

Joe Gamaldi, president of Houston Police Officers’ Union, addressed the media with spirited reaction to Monday’s shooting.

“We are sick and tired of having targets on our back,” he said. “We are sick and tired of having dirtbags trying to take our lives when all we’re trying to do is protect this community and protect our families. Enough is enough.”

Ages of wounded officers released

Officials said the identities of the wounded officers wouldn’t be released.

However, Houston Police Chief Art Acevado did release their ages:

50-year-old sergeant

50-year-old sergeant

54-year-old senior officer

40-year-old officer

33-year-old officer

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner: “This has been a tough day”

Mayor Turner and other officials held a press conference Monday night to address Monday’s shooting.

Shooting happened near Milby High School

The station said the shooting happened near Milby High School. Officials have asked residents to avoid the area.

SWAT officers and federal agents — including Houston’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) — have responded to the scene.

“Please avoid the area and yield for emergency vehicles,” police tweeted earlier in the night.

“We have had several officers shot. Please pray for officers,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted.

Police ask Houston residents to avoid the area

“Please avoid the area and yield for emergency vehicles,” police tweeted.

“We have had several officers shot. Please pray for officers,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted.

The suspect is down, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted earlier.

KHOU-TV said four officers were transported via ambulance and the fifth airlifted to a local hospital.

Houston police tweeted all the officers were transported to Memorial Hermann Medical Center. KHOU-TV said two officers are in critical condition.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott statement

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement Monday night highlighting “the service and sacrifice” officers put on the line every day:

“This evening’s horrific attack on police officers is a solemn reminder of the service and sacrifice our brave men and women in law enforcement make every day to keep us safe. The city of Houston and the Houston Police Department will have whatever state resources they need to bring swift justice to those involved. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the officers injured, and for the continued safety of all law enforcement officers who protect our communities.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton statement

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following statement:

“I am deeply troubled to learn that five Houston police officers have been wounded in the line of duty this evening. The thoughts and prayers of countless Texans are with the officers, their families, and the Houston Police Department. May this tragic event serve as a reminder of the courage with which law enforcement officials serve each day.”

 

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