Introduction to the Incident
The family of Tony Underwood, a 37-year-old man, is seeking answers after he was shot by a Houston police officer. Underwood remains in critical condition at Ben Taub Hospital. His family claims that he was unarmed and trying to return a car when he was confronted by officers.
The Family’s Account
According to the family, Underwood has a history of mental illness and was not a threat to the police. They say that the vehicle he was driving was not stolen, but belonged to his girlfriend, and that he was trying to return it after a dispute. The family also claims that Underwood was holding a water bottle, not a gun, when he was shot. "I don’t think my brother was a threat that night," said Tom Underwood, Tony’s brother. "If they thought he had a gun, why didn’t they shoot him in the leg, the shoulder, somewhere else? Why in his back?"
The Police Account
The Houston Police Department (HPD) has a different account of the incident. According to HPD, officers attempted to stop a stolen SUV on Reed Road and 288. Underwood allegedly refused to pull over, leading to a brief chase before crashing near an apartment complex on Tierwester Drive. Police say that Underwood got out of the vehicle and ran, and that he pulled a handgun and cocked it, leading to a struggle with officers. Fearing for his safety, an officer shot Underwood.
Discrepancies and Investigations
The family strongly disputes the police account, and there are discrepancies between the two versions of events. The family is calling for a meeting with the Houston Police Chief and is demanding to see the body camera footage, which HPD says will be released within 30 days. An internal investigation is underway, with the Special Investigations Unit and Internal Affairs reviewing the case, along with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Community Response
Community leaders are demanding transparency and accountability in the case. "We are not here to condemn, we are here to seek truth," said Dr. David Jeremiah. "A mentally ill man is fighting for his life, and his family is locked out. That’s not just a system failure, it’s a moral one. Houston, we must do better."
Conclusion
The shooting of Tony Underwood has raised questions about police accountability and the treatment of individuals with mental illness. The family’s demands for transparency and accountability are being echoed by community leaders, who are seeking truth and justice in the case. As the investigation continues, it is clear that there are still many unanswered questions about what happened that night. The release of the body camera footage will be crucial in shedding light on the events surrounding the shooting. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that justice is served and that the community can trust its police department to protect and serve all individuals, regardless of their mental health status.
