HPD: Officers shoot man who was firing rifle in northeast Houston

Houston police said the man was shooting a rifle recklessly in multiple directions before officers shot him.

HOUSTON — An investigation is underway after police reportedly shot and killed a 29-year-old man they said was recklessly shooting a rifle in a backyard in northeast Houston.

Editor’s note: Police initially told KHOU 11 the man was shooting an AK-47-style weapon. They later said an AR-15 rifle was recovered at the scene.

This happened at a home on Hartwick Road between Maple Leaf Street and Homestead Road. The Houston Police Department said three officers responded to a call about shots fired around 8 a.m.

When the officers got to the home, police said the man refused to stop shooting. They said he was firing recklessly in multiple directions. 

HPD Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir said the officers ordered the man to drop his weapon and show them his hands. He said two officers opened fire multiple times when the man disobeyed their commands.

Police said the officers attempted first aid and called for medical assistance before the Houston Fire Department pronounced the man dead at the scene.

HPD did not identify the man, but said he lived at the property.

One of the two officers who opened fire had been with HPD for 5 years, the other had been with the department for 3 years. HPD said body camera video from the incident will be released within 30 days.

Bashir said whether the man shot toward the officers is under investigation.

HPD said investigators recovered an AR-15 rifle from the scene. They said witnesses were detained to provide statements.

No officers were hurt in the shooting.

Investigators were working to determine whether the man’s gunfire prior to police arriving hurt anyone or caused any property damage.

“Thank God that nobody was hurt,” Bashir said. “Officers are safe and there was no other threat to the community.”

KHOU 11 has a crew at the scene, gathering more information.

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