By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Houston — Bodycam video shows an HPD officer shoot a man holding a store employee at gunpoint, ending a hostage situation outside a check-cashing store. The Dec. 1 incident was released publicly Dec. 22. Police1
- Timeline/scene: Officer arrived within ~4 minutes of a panic alarm at ACE Cash Express, 203 W. Greens Rd.The suspect followed the employee to the door with a gun pressed to her back. KHOU+1
- Outcome: Officer fired when he saw the firearm; suspect fell after attempting to flee. No injuries to the employee or officer; suspect transported in stable condition. Police1+1
- Next steps: Harris County DA, HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs are investigating under standard protocol. Houston Chronicle
HOUSTON — The Houston Police Department released body-worn camera footage showing an officer-involved shooting that ended a hostage situation at a Greenspoint-area business on Dec. 1. According to HPD, an officer responding to a panic alarm at ACE Cash Express (203 W. Greens Road) encountered a female employee moving toward the door with a man following close behind and pressing a handgun to her back. The officer ordered the man to show his hands; upon seeing the gun, he fired multiple rounds, striking the suspect, who then tried to flee before collapsing, the footage shows. Police1+1
Officers immediately secured the weapon, handcuffed the wounded man and began medical aid while requesting EMS. HPD said neither the employee nor the officer was injured. The suspect was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Police1+1
HPD released the video on Dec. 22 as part of its critical-incident transparency policy. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office, along with HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs, is conducting the customary review. Early details from local briefings indicate the officer is a six-year HPD veteran assigned to the North Belt area. Police1+1
Authorities said the suspect appeared to have ambushed the employee as she was opening the store; a safe delay mechanism and the employee’s ability to trigger the alarm helped bring a rapid police response.