HPD on alert after threats made in wake of Baltimore riots

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Law enforcement across the country on alert in response to the unrest stemming from a man's in-custody death in Maryland. Houston is no exception.

Officers in Baltimore were in helmets and carrying shields as they clashed with protesters.

Looting, fires and riots overtaking the city, all in protest over the death of Freddie Gray who suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody.

Now the Baltimore police chief says gang members have threatened to harm police and the threat level for officers is high, even warning other police departments in major cities, including the Houston Police Department.

Police sources tell Eyewitness News this is normal protocol when the threat level for police goes up anywhere in the country and there's no direct threat to Houston. But people here agree the images coming out of Baltimore are sad, but say violence is not the answer.

"It's terrible what happened to that guy. I don't know the full story, but there's no reason to target police," said Logan Westcott.

"You kinda get fed up when you feel like you're not being heard. I'm not saying that's the right response to go and burn down things but it's something to call attention to it," added Gina Green-Roberts.