One dead in officer-involved shooting in E. Harris County

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- One suspect is dead and another is in custody after a gunfight erupted during a chase on Interstate 10 in east Harris County.

It all came to an end near I-10 and Jacinto Port Blvd.

Officials say the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force had been eyeing two suspects wanted in connection to four brutal capital murder cases. When they spotted them Thursday, the suspects gave chase. The pursuit lasted only four miles, but at some point, the suspects started shooting and authorities returned fire.

"We have one deceased suspect. No police officer or task force officer injuries," said US Marshal Gary Blankenship.

The other suspect in the car, a woman, is in custody.

Blankenship said the suspects, who had outstanding warrants related to four murders, fired first in the shootout with authorities.

One of the four killings the suspects were wanted for happened earlier this week. 52-year-old Jose Bonilla was bound, robbed and murdered in his East Harris County home.

Bonilla's neighbors said they are relieved to know the suspected killers are off the street.

"We're happy," said Ann Rodrigues. "We're glad that (law enforcement) did their job and moved fast enough and we appreciate the hard work that they've done for us."