A team of officers went to a home on Sherwood near Yellowstone at about 8:20pm Tuesday. Police say they saw the suspect, George Ralph Benard, and identified themselves as officers. Benard then ran toward the back of the house.
"The entire time he was making suspicious movements, reaching into his waistband as if he had a weapon," said HPD spokesperson Victor Senties. "At one point, he turned suddenly toward the officer and the officer, fearing for his safety and that of his team who were inside the residence, fired at the suspect, who was struck."
Police say a pellet gun was found near the suspect. Officers also recovered narcotics inside the home.
Benard, 38, suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in critical condition. Officer F. Rodriguez, who fired the shot, was not injured in the incident. Officer Rodriguez is assigned to the Narcotics Division and was sworn in as an officer in December 1992.
As is customary in HPD officer-involved shooting incidents in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
___________________________________________________________
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices