HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department is investigating after an officer-involved shootout Sunday morning left two dead and several others injured, including multiple innocent bystanders, in the west side of town.
"It was huge, huge gunshots. About 30 of them all at once," witness Andy McConn said.
Recommended Videos
According to investigators, officers responded to reports of shots fired around 10 a.m. at the Memorial Tire & Auto in the 13200 block of Memorial Drive near Wilcrest Drive. Police said the first officer to arrive at the scene immediately became a target for gunfire.
"The results of what happened to his windshield and his vehicle; miraculously, he was not hurt," spokesperson John Cannon with HPD.
Police said the fallout left two people dead, including the main suspect who was shot by a SWAT officer, and several others wounded. The other person killed was found in his car, authorities said.
"The police that were driving down the street were on the loud speaker on the bullhorn, telling everybody to get inside and lock their doors," McConn said.
Paramedics took two officers, a civilian woman and two civilian men to the hospital in unknown condition, HPD officials said. Officers said a second suspect, who is currently in police custody, was also injured and taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Investigators said it's unclear how many weapons the second suspect was carrying or his role in the shootout.
Investigators said the two suspects are either white or Hispanic males.
In a news conference, interim HPD Chief Martha Montalvo said two Precinct 5 deputy constables were injured during the shooting. One was saved by his bulletproof vest. The other was struck in the hand.
Officials said the main shooter fired multiple shots at a Conoco Phillips gas station across the street from the tire shop, causing a fire to spark.
[VIDEO: Gunshots heard during police-involved shootout]
Police also said the shirtless shooter managed to strike a police helicopter five times.
“The suspects had high powered weapons that they were using — AR-15s that they were using. They were actually able to shoot at a helicopter,” Montalvo said.
Residents were ordered to shelter in place as law enforcement searched for the shooters, but that directive has since been lifted.
"I saw police and a car and I saw another guy walking up, shirtless," witness Bill Schwartz. "He had tattoos on him (and) dark hair. He put his hands in the air. Then when I got another 15 down Memorial Drive, I heard a pop."
[VIDEO: First HPD press conference on officer-involved shooting in west Houston]
Investigators said there is no motive known for the shootings.
"We do not know what started this, but what we do now is that they were shooting randomly at who ever happened to come upon the scene," Montalvo said.
Several streets in the area will be shutdown as an investigation continues, police said. Memorial Drive from Britmore to Lockwood is closed, police said.
"These officers, their training kicked in," Montalvo said. "They did what they had to do. They took care of one another and they contained the scene as best as possible."
