According to investigators, a uniformed Houston Police Department officer was driving home in his personal vehicle. He was northbound on U.S. 610 near Market St. when he heard gunshots and saw the passenger of a pickup truck next to him pointing a weapon at him.
The pickup turned onto the East Freeway and the officer followed, attempting to get the license plate number.
Both vehicles exited the East Freeway at Mercury. The pickup pulled into a gas station with the officer following, still trying to get the plate number.
Police said the pickup exited the gas station onto the feeder road. That's when officials said the passenger in the pickup fired shots at the officer.
The pickup drove to Fleming where it stopped. The officer also stopped in the middle of the street and got out of his vehicle to show that he was a uniformed police officer, investigators said.
Police said the driver of the pickup then made a U-turn, driving toward the officer while the passenger leaned out of the window and again fired at him.
At this point, police said the officer returned fire.
The pickup fled the scene.
Investigators said they believe the officer may have struck the vehicle. It is unknown if either suspect was hit.
The officer described the truck as a tan Chevrolet Silverado with dark, tinted windows. He got only a partial license plate number: CN followed by either a 2 or a 7.
As is customary, this will be investigated by internal affairs and HPD homicide.
The officer has been on the force for four years and is part of the eastside patrol division. His name has not been released.
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call HPD or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
