Deputies fatally shoot suspect who opened fire on them in Channelview

Jeff Ehling Image
Friday, August 11, 2017

CHANNELVIEW, Texas (KTRK) -- A Channelview man is dead after deputies opened fire when they were trying to serve a warrant.

The shooting took place at about 5 a.m. Friday in the 900 block of Ashland Street.

There was a woman and a child in the suspect's home when the shooting occurred, but they were unharmed.

"They were in another area. They weren't hit by any gunfire at all. They were brought out of the house and made safe in another area," HCSO Sgt. Thomas Gilland said.

The sheriff's office said they were serving a warrant along with the ATF for weapons and drugs. Detectives said the suspect opened fire the moment they tried to enter the apartment.

A spokesperson with the Harris County Sheriff's Office confirmed the suspect died in the shooting that took place at about 5 a.m. in the 900 block of Ashland Street.

"As they were reaching the door, the suspect inside the residence retrieved an assault rifle and began firing at deputies that were attempting to enter the residence," Gilland said.

"It just sounded so close. So close and a lot of bullets going off," Nathan George said.

The George family lives just down the street from the scene. They heard the shots and are surprised to find out someone wanted on gun charges was so close to their home.

The suspect has not been identified and is described only as a Hispanic man.

Meanwhile, the shooting will be referred to the grand jury to determine if it was justified. The deputies involved are on desk duty until internal affairs has reviewed the case.

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