Charges filed against armed suspect shot by Houston police | Texas

HOUSTON, Texas — Charges have been filed against an armed suspect shot and killed by Houston police officers at 8600 Comal Street around 6:10 p.m. Saturday.

The suspect, Tyrone Whitfield Barnes, 40, is charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and was convicted of a felony in the 179th State District Court. Barnes, who remains hospitalized in stable condition, was confronted by Officers J. Cruz and M. Anderson of the Southeast Patrol Division after responding to a call from Shot Spotter.

According to Sergeant E. Wohlgemuth of the HPD Special Investigations Unit and Detectives H. Le and C. Walker, officers were directed to Barnes by a witness in the Sunnyside Park parking lot. Officers observed Barnes holding a firearm and gave him several verbal commands to drop the weapon. When Barnes raised and pointed his gun at the officers, both discharged their service weapons.

Although he was shot, Barnes continued to hold the handgun and did not obey other commands. At least one officer fired again, after which Barnes complied and was arrested. The suspect suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg, although it was unclear whether it was self-inflicted or was injured by police gunfire. Officers provided medical treatment until paramedics arrived and transported Barnes to the hospital.

As is typical in shooting incidents involving HPD officers within the city limits, the case is being investigated by the Special Investigations Unit, Division of internal affairs and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.