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BWC: Houston officer shoots man holding store employee hostage at gunpoint

Video shows the suspect following closely behind a woman and pressing a gun to her back, apparently attempting to use her as a shield to flee from the officer

HOUSTON — The Houston Police Department released body camera footage showing an officer-involved shooting of a man holding a store employee hostage at gunpoint.

The Dec. 1 incident began when officers responded to the scene of a panic alarm call at a check cashing store, according to the release. When the first officer arrived at the scene, he saw a store employee walking toward the front door with a man following closely behind her.

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The man had a gun pointed at her back, according to the release.

As they walked out the door, the officer issued instructions for the man to show his hands. Upon seeing the man’s gun, the officer fired shots, striking the suspect. As the suspect turned and tried to flee, the officer continued to fire shots until the man fell to the ground.

The officer told the man he would get help as dispatchers radioed that an ambulance was on the way. Once another officer arrived, they secured the scene, kicking the fallen gun away from the man and placing him in handcuffs. The officers then began to provide medical aid.

Neither the officer nor the store employee were injured in the shooting, according to the release.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com