HOUSTON, TX – Houston Police shot and killed a suspect after a high-speed chase and hostage situation involving a woman and child on a Houston freeway Monday afternoon.
The incident began with a domestic violence report yesterday, according to Houston Police Executive Chief Thomas Hardin. The suspect, identified as the woman’s husband, allegedly assaulted her during an altercation at home. Following the incident, the victim and the child went to stay with a relative overnight.
The suspect later arrived at the relative’s home, allegedly taking both the woman and child hostage at gunpoint. The relative promptly reported the incident to Houston Police, who deployed officers to the location. Officers were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle near an apartment complex after receiving a description of it.
As officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect fled, firing at officers twice during the pursuit. After HPD’s helicopter arrived, officers briefly backed off the ground pursuit to reduce risk. However, when the vehicle entered rush-hour traffic around 4:30 p.m., officers performed a PIT maneuver to stop it.
Following the maneuver, three officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect. Officers immediately removed the woman and child from the vehicle, both of whom were unharmed. The suspect, however, was pronounced dead at the scene despite first aid efforts.
Executive Chief Hardin commended the officers involved, stating that they acted courageously and effectively during the high-risk situation to ensure the safety of the hostages.
Mayor Whitmire, who was at the scene, emphasized the importance of reporting domestic violence and urged community members to reach out for “women do not have to remain in violent environments,” he said, highlighting that resources are available regardless of community or immigration status.
