HOUSTON, TX – A Houston police officer is dead, the victim of a high-speed chase through west Houston according to CW39.
HPD says its officers responded to an overnight robbery at an Exxon along the Northwest Freeway, where they saw the suspect leave in a U-Haul truck. That started a 20-mile chase around west Houston. Near N. Kirkwood and St. Mary’s, Officer Richard Martin was setting out spike strips when the suspect ran him over. Officer Martin died at the scene.
The chase ended on 45 North near Little York Rd., where there was a standoff. Police say the suspect shot himself, but is still alive and officers managed to arrest him. Officer Martin is a 4-year veteran of HPD. The Harris County District Attorney says the suspect will be charged with capital murder.
Mayor Annise Parker released the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the death of another Houston Police officer in the line of duty. Our men and woman in blue leave their homes every day not knowing if they will return at the end of their shifts. They willingly place their lives on the line to protect the rest of us. I am praying for Officer Martin’s family and HPD as they mourn this loss. All of Houston mourns with them.”
