5 Houston police officers hurt in shooting; 2 suspects found deceased



HOUSTON -- Five police officers were hurt Monday, Jan. 28 while trying to serve a search warrant at a suspected drug house in Houston.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, in an update Monday evening, said this all started with a complaint from a neighbor, who reported to police they believed drug dealing was occurring out of a home on Harding Street in Houston. An investigation revealed black tar heroin was being sold out of the home, and the officers were there Monday to serve the search warrant amid the ongoing investigation.

Nearly 20 officers, some of them part of the narcotics group, responded around 4:15 p.m., and Chief Acevedo said around 5 p.m., the officers attempted to serve the search warrant. As soon as the officers announced themselves and breached the door of the home, they were met by gunfire from one to two suspects. Chief Acevedo described it as a "chaotic scene."

Two of the officers were taken to the hospital via "Life Flight." The other three were transported by ambulance.

SWAT officials responded, and a perimeter was established. Robots were sent into the home, and after the scene was rendered safe, two suspects were found dead inside.

Chief Acevedo offered the following information regarding the officers who were hurt:




    Chief Acevedo said the two officers transported via Life Flight were in critical but stable condition -- shot in the neck. They were in surgery Monday evening.

    The officer who was not hurt as a result of gunfire suffered a knee injury.

    Police said the officers were transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, Medical Center and Ben Taub General Hospital. Their conditions were not immediately known.

    The mayor and others called for prayers for the officers and their families.

    Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement:

    “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.”