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Texas officer killed in shooting identified
Richard Houston, who was married with three children, was a 21-year veteran of the Mesquite Police Department
Duty Death: Richard Houston - [Mesquite, Texas]
End of Service: 12/04/2021
By Megan Cardona
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Mesquite Police Department announced Saturday afternoon that Richard Houston was the officer who was fatally shot while responding to a disturbance call Friday in the 1500 block of S. Belt Line Road.
Houston was a 21-year veteran of the department. The department said his assignments included serving in the operations bureau as a patrol officer, on the SWAT team for over 10 years and in criminal investigations handling burglary and theft, homeland security, and juvenile and gang cases.
A Prayer Vigil will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. in front of the Mesquite Police Department for Officer Richard Houston. There will be remarks by Mayor Daniel Alemán Jr.and local pastors; candle lighting and opportunities to donate to assist the Houston family. pic.twitter.com/BwsZdvep5z
— City of Mesquite, TX (@cityofmesquite) December 4, 2021
The disturbance call at around 1:40 p.m. led to a shootout between Houston and a male suspect after the suspect pulled a gun, authorities said on Friday.
Both Houston and the suspect were transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Dallas. At the time, both were in critical condition. The department said Houston died from his injuries at 2:11 p.m.
Houston was married with three children.
NEW: @MesquitePD_TX Chief David Gill just placed a framed photo of Officer Richard Houston in front of a squad car at headquarters. A memorial continues to become decorated by people showing support for the fallen officer. @FOX4 https://t.co/itmQSgXjJf pic.twitter.com/yxAAmpqqqy
— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) December 4, 2021
"This was a senseless act of violence," Mesquite Police Chief David Gill said in a statement. "Richard was a great officer, friend, father and husband. Please keep his family and our family in your prayers."
Officer Richard Houston received a Certificate of Merit back in April for assisting @GarlandPD and @TxDPS with the arrests of three suspects who stole a car (used in various crimes) and prevented a suicide attempt by one of the suspects. @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/2bS0g9hOfG
— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) December 5, 2021
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