Mayor: Injured HPD officer may be paralyzed after shooting
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner asked everyone to pray for all police officers during today's city council meeting, one day after two Houston police officers were injured in a shooting.
One of the burglary suspects died from gunshot wounds, while at least one more fled the scene and has still not been found.
Officer Ronny Cortez, a 24-year veteran of the department and 10-year veteran officer Jose Munoz were searching the area of the 8700 block of Sterlingame Tuesday after a tip about a burglary in progress.
During their search, they were shot multiple times by at least one armed suspect.
Law enforcement continues to search for an African American male suspect who is a known gang member. A second African American adult male suspect was killed at the scene.
"Two of our officers actually jumped the fence and went into that backyard to clear that storage shed when a male Hispanic suspect opened the door, came out and opened fire on our officers," Acevedo said. "Officers were able to return gunfire."
Police Chief Art Acevedo briefs the media about the officers' conditions
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Munoz was taken to Ben Taub Hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his foot. Cortez was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he is in stable condition after doctors removed the bullet that was lodged close to his spine.
Turner shared an update about the conditions of the officers with city council members and said Cortez may be paralyzed as a result of his injuries.
Danny Cortez is the brother of Officer Cortez and said his family is praying Cortez wouldn't be paralyzed.
"He's been in extremely good spirits given he was shot multiple times," said Cortez. "His first words to me where, 'at least I get to build up my upper body.'"
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"Officer Munoz, of course, received a wound to his foot. He will be released at some point today, so we're very grateful for that. And then officer Cortez is in stable condition. They have now removed the bullet that's close to his spine. And, you know, we must continue to pray for him and his entire family. For both of these individuals. Of course, two suspects, one is dead and one is still on the run. But we are sparing nothing to find the other person," Turner said.
Loved ones of the injured officers spoke out for the first time this afternoon. Jazmin Munoz is the wife of Officer Jose Munoz.
"He's a father first. He loves his kids," said Munoz. "We're partners so we started this and we are going to finish it."
Chief Art Acevedo asked the media not to broadcast images of the officers. He said it could jeopardize their safety given their roles in the department. ABC13 plans to honor the request.
Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers and 100 Club are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.
If you would like to donate to help the officers' families, visit assisttheofficer.com.
