Introduction to the Incident
The family of Tony Underwood, a 37-year-old man shot by a Houston police officer, has gathered at the Houston Police Department (HPD) headquarters. They are seeking information about his condition and requesting access to see him. Patricia Underwood, Tony’s mother, expressed her distress, stating, "God is my witness I can’t sleep," and "I’m just crying out for help."
The Incident Unfolds
Tony has been hospitalized at Ben Taub Hospital since the incident on April 30. The police attempted to pull him over for driving a vehicle that was reported stolen. However, Tony’s family claims that his girlfriend reported the vehicle they shared as stolen during an argument. According to police reports, Tony led officers on a chase before exiting the vehicle. They allege he was armed and struggled with an officer, who then shot him.
Disputing the Police Narrative
Family members contest the police narrative, claiming Tony was unarmed and only had a water bottle. Abc Hornsby, Tony’s cousin, stated, "He had his hands up… She yelled do not shoot repeatedly. And the officer shot him anyway." They assert that there was no struggle and that the shooting was unjustified. Tony Underwood Jr., his son, described the situation as devastating, emphasizing the family’s anguish over not being able to see him for nearly a week.
Current Status and Investigation
Houston police maintain that Underwood posed a threat. HPD Police Chief J. Noe Diaz announced that body cam footage will be released within 30 days. The District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Underwood has been charged with three felonies as of May 1. Despite his incapacitation, he remains in police custody, preventing family visits. A court date is scheduled for May 13. Patricia Underwood called for prayers, saying "I carry Jesus in my heart."
Conclusion
The shooting of Tony Underwood has sparked a heated debate about police brutality and the use of force. The family’s pleas for justice and transparency have fallen on deaf ears, with the police department sticking to their narrative. As the investigation unfolds, the community waits with bated breath for the release of the body cam footage, hoping it will shed light on the events of that fateful day. The Underwood family’s fight for justice and accountability is far from over, and their story serves as a reminder of the need for reform and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
