HPD fires officer over tear gas incident at Rodeo

HOUSTON

The Houston Police Department has fired Officer Mike Hamby effective June 17 after an internal investigation. In February, Hamby allegedly tossed a tear gas canister into the Fayette County Cookers tent during the cookoff at Reliant Park.

Police say Hamby argued with members of the cookoff team before the tear gas incident. No one was hurt.

Hamby had worked with HPD for 30 years. Elected in 2004, Hamby was a long standing member of the police union's board of directors. He had also served as team captain of the Calf Scramble Committee.