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Police union: Houston looters targeted cops, firefighters

Police Union Vice President Joe Gamaldi said police diverted from making high-water rescues to respond

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Wilford Martinez, right, is rescued from his flooded car by Harris County Sheriff’s Department Richard Wagner.

Photo/AP

By Police1 Staff

HOUSTON — Firefighters and officers were targeted by looters, according to a police union.

The Houston Chronicle reported that a group of firefighters and officers were shot at while responding to the scene.

Police Union Vice President Joe Gamaldi said police diverted from making high-water rescues to respond.

https://twitter.com/HPOUTX/status/902365198618591232

A tweet by the HPOU called the shooting "#disgusting,” and said that looters were “advertising it while we are saving people.” Gamaldi retweeted the HPOU’s tweet.

Harris County DA Kim Ogg told Fox News that looters would be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

“Anyone who tries to take advantage of this storm to break into homes or businesses should know that they are going to feel the full weight of the law,” Ogg said. “Offenders will be processed around the clock without delay.”

Texas state law “allows for enhanced punishment ranges for certain offenses committed during a declared natural disaster event,” Montgomery County officials said.