Officer, bystander injured in accidental shooting

Monday, May 24, 2010

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston police officer and an innocent bystander are now recovering after the officer's shotgun accidentally fired in southwest Houston.

Houston police were called to a house Sunday around 5:40am in the 15000 block of Rosebriar Drive following a reported weapons disturbance. Officers learned the a group of men at the scene had been involved in an argument with an acquaintance over gas money. During the argument, the suspect produced a pistol and fired his weapon into the air before pointing the gun at one of the males and taking money that had been collected to pay for gas. The suspect then fled the scene.

One of the victims then received a phone call and told officers the armed suspect was coming back to the scene. A few minutes later, a car began speeding toward the officers and the victims who were still outside. The driver parked near the victims and got out of the car. He began approaching the officers who, fearing for their safety, had their weapons drawn but pointed at the ground. One officer's shotgun, while still pointed at the ground, accidentally discharged. Pellets from the shotgun blast ricocheted off the pavement, striking both the officer and the driver.

Officer K.G. Solis suffered minor injuries to his right leg. He was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was treated and released. Officer Solis, assigned to the Southwest Patrol Division, has been an officer for just over two years.

The driver, 31, received minor injuries to his abdomen and arm and was transported to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital where he was treated and released.

Further investigation determined the driver was not the suspect, who remains at large.

The case will be investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as is customary in all HPD officer-involved shootings.

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