Police fatally shoot man who allegedly kidnapped and shot ex at least 5 times in W. Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Police shot and killed an alleged kidnapper after they say he held his ex-girlfriend hostage and shot her at least five times at his apartment in west Houston.
Officials say this all started when the suspect, 23-year-old Willie Earl Simmons, went to Kendra Jones' home in southeast Houston and forced her to come with him. They ended up at his apartment on Winrock Boulevard near Westheimer.
Around 12:30 a.m. Friday, authorities say Jones was on a FaceTime call with her cousin who saw that the suspect was holding a gun to her head.
The cousin called police.
When officers arrived, they heard screaming and busted into the apartment.
One of the officers saw Simmons shoot Jones. She was shot in her arm at least five times.
Police took cover, getting into a shootout with the Simmons. Authorities tell Eyewitness News the suspect fired first, then came at them with a knife. He would not drop his weapons.
Police radio calls reveal the chaotic scene as they worked to get the hostage situation under control.
"You have the suspect firing first and just now you have an officer trying to return fire," police said.
One sergeant and two officers fired at Simmons. He died at the scene.
Jones was rushed to the hospital.
"We are very happy to hear from the hospital that she will survive her injuries. This was a dangerous situation for all. We're very happy that no other citizens or officers were injured in this. Of course, we are concerned about the family of the suspect. We also talked to that family on the scene," said HPD Asst. Chief Matt Slinkard.
Police released more information about the officers involved.
Sergeant James Seymour has been with HPD just shy of 15 years. Officer Joshua Few has been with the department less than two years. Officer Michael Harris has also spent less than two years on the force.
As is standard procedure, all three have been placed on paid leave while an investigation is completed.
Police say Jones and Simmons are in their 20s.
