Suspect killed in officer-involved shooting after kidnapping 2 people

HOUSTON – Police said a suspect was dead Monday after a police chase that began with a domestic violence call Sunday.

Houston Police Chief Thomas Hardin said officers were called on a report of domestic violence between a husband and wife that involved an assault. Officials said they had a young child together.

As a result of the incident, the victim went to stay with a relative for the night.

Hardin said that on Monday, a domestic violence suspect went to a relative’s house, kidnapped his wife and child, and threatened him with a gun.

Houston police received a call about a kidnapping and responded to the location where the person reporting the kidnapping said the suspect and victims were located.

Hardin stated that officers had a description of the suspect’s vehicle, located the suspect’s vehicle driving near the apartment complex, attempted a traffic stop, and the vehicle fled.

Hardin said that as the vehicle fled, the suspect reached out the window twice and fired shots at officers.

That’s when a helicopter was called in, police said, and units withdrew, hoping the suspect would either stop or release the hostages. However, this did not happen, officials say.

As the pursuit, which officials said lasted more than 10 minutes, entered the Southwest Freeway, a PIT maneuver was executed to end the pursuit due to rush hour traffic.

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Hardin said an officer-involved shooting occurred after the PIT maneuver. Three officers fired, hitting the suspect. It is unclear how many shots were fired.

Officers were then able to remove both victims from the vehicle, extricate the suspect and administer first aid.

Hardin said the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said both victims were safe and uninjured, but were shaken.

No other injuries were reported in connection with the pursuit.

Police are unable to say how long the highway will be closed as the investigation into the incident continues.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who was spotted at the scene, said during a news conference that any victim of domestic violence should seek help regardless of the cause.