Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a male suspect who attempted to disarm an officer on January 6, 2025, at 9900 Homestead Road in the East Little York/Homestead area. The identity of the deceased suspect is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
At approximately 8:10 a.m., HPD Officer J. Avila, assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division, responded to a burglary of a motor vehicle call in the 7300 block of Caddo Road. The suspect, reported to be armed with a sharp object, fled on foot when officers attempted to make contact. After a brief foot chase, the suspect resisted arrest and struggled with officers. During the altercation, the suspect managed to grab an officer’s duty weapon and fired a shot while it remained in its holster.
Officer Avila, hearing the gunshot and fearing for the safety of the officers, discharged his duty weapon at least twice, striking the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by Houston Fire Department paramedics. No officers were injured during the incident.
The case is under investigation by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
