By Kevin Moran
The Houston Chronicle
HOUSTON — A Houston police officer fatally shot a man early today during a confrontation after the officer found the man breaking into a car, investigators said.
The shooting occurred shortly before 2 a.m. at the Tidwell Estates apartments in the 1200 block of West Tidwell.
The officer, who was off-duty and not in uniform, was visiting a friend at the complex when he heard breaking glass and went outside to investigate, HPD Capt. Bruce Williams said.
The officer reported that he saw a man inside a car and identified himself as a police officer.
“The officer demanded that the man get out with his hands up,” Williams said. “The man got out of the vehicle, but lunged toward the officer instead of raising his hands.
“The officer stepped back and, fearing for his life, fired,” Williams said.
The man died at the scene.
Investigators said the officer fired two shots. It was unclear whether the dead man who had any weapons, Williams said.
Police have not released the names of the man or the officer.
Copyright 2008 The Houston Chronicle