A suspect is dead, and a Houston police officer is recovering following a stabbing that escalated into an officer-involved shooting in downtown Houston on Sunday evening. The incident took place just before 7:30 p.m. at the CVS Pharmacy located at 300 Milam Street, in an area frequented by locals and visitors due to its proximity to numerous bars and restaurants in the Theater District.
Officials from the Houston Police Department (HPD) reported that officers responded to the scene after witnessing a man in crisis exhibiting erratic behavior inside the pharmacy. The officers engaged with the man and attempted to escort him outside for what was described as a potential mental health assessment.
As the situation unfolded, the suspect became increasingly confrontational. HPD Chief Noe Diaz explained that the officers made efforts to de-escalate the encounter. However, the suspect resisted their commands and continued to reach into his pocket, prompting the officers to take further action. During the struggle, he pulled out a knife and stabbed Officer Joaquin Garza in the head, causing significant injury.
In a swift response, Officer R. Perales discharged his weapon, resulting in the suspect being struck at least once. Despite immediate medical assistance, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, pending identification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Officer Garza was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he received treatment and has since been released, with a positive prognosis for recovery. Both officers involved were part of the Downtown Patrol Division and had recently been sworn in as officers in June 2023. The Houston Police Officers’ Union President, Doug Griffith, confirmed Garza’s stable condition and noted his dedication to serving the community.
This incident marks the second officer-involved shooting in Houston within a 24-hour period. The previous night, another off-duty officer sustained injuries during a road rage incident. Mayor John Whitmire expressed concern over the rising violence against law enforcement, emphasizing that officers do not expect to use their firearms daily but are aware of the inherent risks in their roles.
Standard procedures for such incidents involve multiple reviews, including investigations by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. As the investigation continues, detectives are actively gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses to establish the details surrounding this unfortunate event.
This developing story will see further updates as new information becomes available, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety amid increasing incidents of violence.