Man dead after opening fire at the same time as officer near underpass in N. Houston, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Investigators are trying to determine if a man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or a bullet fired by a Houston Police Department officer in north Houston on Friday afternoon.

The situation unfolded during a disturbance at a family gathering, HPD said.

Houston police stated that a family member had been reported to have taken a car and a gun from the home. The car was recovered, but the man still had the gun and continued on foot.

HPD said officers intercepted the man near the underpass at West Hardy Road and E. Crosstimbers and began talking to him.

At one point, the man had the gun pointed at his head, and the officers had their weapons pointed as well.

HPD said the officers tried to get the man to put down the weapon, but were unsuccessful.

Investigators said that is when the man pulled the trigger, at the same time as another officer discharged theirweapon. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The officer who fired is said to be a two-year veteran with HPD.

HPD said it is unable to say if the man made any verbal threats to the officers or if he ever pointed the gun at them.

An investigation is currently underway.

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