HPD sergeant's handcuffs around wrists of man accused of killing him

Charly Edsitty Image
Monday, October 26, 2020
What we learned about man accused of killing HPD sergeant
While the man accused of killing HPD sergeant Harold Preston wasn't in court, we did learn new information about the shooting and the suspect.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The man accused of killing a Houston police sergeant last week is now in custody.

Elmer Manzano was booked into jail Monday after he was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

In a photo tweeted by Houston Police Officers' Union, Manzano was placed in the handcuffs once belonging to Sgt. Harold Preston, the HPD veteran who died while responding to a call involving Manzano.

Earlier Monday in court, documents presented before a judge stated Manzano claimed officers shot at him first. Manzano was not in court due to his wound.

Still, more details about the charges against him were read in court.

He has no bond for his charges of capital murder and aggravated assault. He also faces an attempted capital murder charge and was issued a $500,000 bond for that.

Last Tuesday, Manzano, 51, was taken into custody from the Richmond Manor apartment complex on Holly Hall and reportedly taken to Ben Taub Hospital.

Police said he had barricaded himself in an apartment after the shooting that killed HPD Sgt. Harold Preston and wounded Officer Courtney Waller.

Manzano is also accused of shooting his 14-year-old son, who was taken to Texas Children's Hospital. His condition was not immediately disclosed.

The incident came in as a domestic violence call, where Manzano's wife and son were trying to retrieve their belongings and leave.

According to what was read in court overnight, Manzano fired 10 shots when he came out of the family's apartment.

Investigators say that when Manzano was interviewed by police at the hospital, he "stated that he knew the police officers were out there. And when he answered the door, he claimed that the police officers shot at him so he fired back at them about five times."

Manzano had threatened his wife twice leading up to the shooting, according to police.

WATCH: Chief Art Acevedo explains the criminal history of Elmer Manzano

Chief Art Acevedo explains the criminal history of Elmer Manzano, who is the man believed to have shot and killed a 41-year HPD veteran.

Police documents obtained by ABC13 showed as recent as the weekend before, the couple had a verbal fight over their 14-year-old son's custody. Officers were called at that time, where they found six bullets on Manzano but no gun. The incident resulted in police reporting "no assault occurred."

Going a step further, the Harris County District Attorney's Office was willing to accept a terroristic threat charge if officers believed that an assault happened. Prosecutors stated on their charge refusal slip "officer does not believe offense occurred."

A search of Manzano's criminal history showed a December 2002 charge of evading arrest with a motor vehicle, but Acevedo indicated Manzano had police called on him over repeated abuses to his family.

SEE ALSO:

1 HPD sergeant killed, 1 wounded in shooting at apartment complex in SW Houston

Fallen HPD Sgt. Harold Preston was about to retire this year

HPD sergeant's memorial service and final procession set

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