Introduction to the Incident
Houston police have released body camera video of a fatal shooting that occurred last month in the Spring Branch area. The incident involved an officer shooting and killing a man who investigators say threatened police with a baseball bat and a chunk of concrete.
Details of the Incident
The incident happened on Friday, May 23, around 3:40 p.m. in the 7800 block of Hammerly Boulevard. According to HPD’s Special Investigations Unit, officers responded to a call from a security guard at a nearby strip center who said a man had assaulted him with a bat earlier that morning and was refusing to leave the property. When officers arrived, they found the man, described as a 64-year-old, nearby and attempted to make contact.
The Confrontation
Investigators say the man became aggressive, swinging a bat at officers and ignoring repeated commands in both English and Spanish. Officers deployed their tasers multiple times, but police say they had no effect. The suspect then picked up a piece of concrete and continued approaching the officers while still holding the bat, according to HPD.
The Fatal Shooting
That’s when Officer K. Gideon, assigned to the Northwest Patrol Division, fired his weapon multiple times, striking the man. Paramedics with the Houston Fire Department pronounced him dead at the scene. The suspect’s identity is still pending confirmation by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Aftermath and Investigation
Officer Gideon, who joined HPD in Oct. 2022, was not injured. He has been placed on administrative duties as the investigation continues, standard protocol in officer-involved shootings. The HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are all involved in the ongoing review of the case. HPD said body cam video was released as part of the department’s commitment to transparency.
Conclusion
The release of the body camera video provides a clearer picture of the events leading up to the fatal shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and the community awaits the outcome. The incident highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in their daily duties, and the need for transparency and accountability in such situations.
