Suspect killed in officer-involved shooting after kidnapping of two people. Southwest Freeway remains closed

HOUSTON – A suspect died Monday after a police chase that began as a domestic violence report that occurred Sunday, police said.

Houston Police Chief Thomas Hardin said officers were called to a report of domestic violence between a man and a woman involving an assault. Officials said they shared a young child together.

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As a result of the incident, the victim went to stay overnight with a relative during the incident.

Hardin said the domestic violence suspect went to the relative’s home Monday and kidnapped the woman and child at gunpoint.

Houston police received a call about the kidnapping and responded to an area where the person who reported the kidnapping believed the suspect and victims were located.

Hardin stated that officers obtained a vehicle description of the suspect, located the suspect’s vehicle near an apartment complex, attempted a traffic stop and the vehicle fled.

As the vehicle fled, Hardin said, the suspect reached out the window twice and fired at officers.

According to police, a helicopter was called in at that point and units retreated in hopes the suspect would stop or release the hostages. However, that did not happen, officials said.

As the chase, which officials said lasted more than 10 minutes, entered the Southwest Freeway, a PIT maneuver was performed in an attempt to end the chase due to rush hour timing.

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After the PIT maneuver was performed, Hardin said an officer-involved shooting occurred. Three officers fired their weapons, hitting the suspect. It is unclear how many shots were fired.

Officers were then able to remove both victims from the vehicle, remove the suspect and administer first aid.

Hardin said the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said both victims are safe and unharmed but shaken, officials said.

No other injuries were reported during the chase.

Police cannot say how long the highway will be closed as the investigation into the incident continues.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who was spotted at the scene, said at a news conference that anyone who is a victim of domestic violence should seek help, regardless of the reason.