4 Police Officers Serving Narcotics Warrant Shot In Houston, 2 In Critical Condition; 'We Are Sick And Tired Of Having Targets On Our Back'
HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Four Houston Police officers were shot Monday afternoon while serving a narcotics warrant in Southeast Houston.
A fifth officer suffered a knee injury.
Police had thought five officers had been shot at first.
One of the officers who was shot in the shoulder was released from the hospital, Houston Police said in a tweet just after 9:20 Monday night.
The tweet said, "UPDATE on our officers: one officer shot in the shoulder has been released. 2 officers in critical condition & 2 others are in good condition. None of them will be released from the hospital tonite. One of the officers sustained a knee injury & isn't believed to have been shot"
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said the officers serving the warrant announced themselves as HPD officers as they breached the entrance to the home.
Upon breaching the door they immediately came under fire. Four officers were hit by gunfire.
Two suspects were shot and killed by Houston Police officers.
"We are sick and tired of having targets on our back. We are sick and tired of having dirt-bags trying to take our lives when all we're trying to do is protect this community and protect our families. Enough is enough... Please pray for these officers," said Houston Police Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi.
Chief Acevedo said the investigation began when they got calls from concerned neighbors who did not want people dealing drugs, including black tar heroin, in their neighborhood.
"We will not tolerate drug activity in our city," Mayor Turner said during the news conference.
A 50-year-old sergeant, 50-year-old officer and 54-year-old senior police officer who had been on the force since 1984 and shot before are among the officers who were shot. Another officer is 33 years old.
Shortly after the shootings which happened just after 5:00 p.m., Gamaldi tweeted, "We currently have 5 officers shot, all on their way to the hospital. One is being life flighted. On the way to the hospital, will update when I can."
Gamaldi said shortly before 7:00 p.m. three officers were in stable condition, two were in critical condition.
Houston Police said the officers were truck by gunfire following an encounter with a suspect.
Chief Acevedo tweeted shortly after the shooting, "We have had several officers shot please pray for officers on the way to the scene now more information to follow."
Multiple North Texas police departments began tweeting their concerns for the injured officers Monday afternoon.
Arlington Police tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters @Houstonpolice who advised they had multiple officers shot during an investigation this afternoon."
Grand Prairie Police tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in blue in Houston, as well as their families."
Governor Greg Abbott tweeted a statement saying, "This evening's 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..."
The Houston Astros tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire HPD family and to the families of the officers that have been injured in the line of duty."
