Police say the 19-year police veteran identified himself to the 30-year-old suspect, Visian Prashasouk, and gave commands. That's when Prashasouk allegedly pointed his gun at Sgt. Maurer.
Police say Sgt. Maurer fired at least one shot before Prashasouk took off running from the parking lot, throwing his weapon to the ground. Investigators say he returned to the parking lot a short time later.
"A nearby witness who sees what's going on assists the officer. He ends up knocking down the suspect and the suspect, at that point, continues to resist," said HPD Spokesperson Victor Senties. "Sergeant comes over, tries to take him into custody. He continues to resist. Sergeant deploys his CED, or his Taser, and the suspect is taken into custody without further incident."
Neither the officer nor the suspect was injured. Prashasouk faces charges of aggravated assault of a public servant and felon in possession of a firearm.
As is customary in HPD officer-involved shootings, this case will be reviewed by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.
