October 16, 2020 - Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a Houston Fire Department Arson Bureau investigator and apparent suicide of an arson suspect at 2100 West 18th Street about 3:35 a.m. today.  

HFD Arson Bureau Investigator L. Bruce, 44, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  

The suspect, Joshua De La Cerda (H/m 30), was pronounced dead at the scene.  

HPD Special Investigations Unit Sergeant G. Rodgers and Detectives I. Ulloa, R. Lujan, M. Resnick, and J. Brown reported:  

HFD Arson Bureau investigators were conducting a surveillance operation in the Houston Heights area as part of an on-going arson investigation.  Information was obtained that the suspect was possibly driving a gray or silver Hyundai Sonata.  Investigator Bruce relayed information he had located a gray Hyundai driving at a high rate of speed with the headlights off on West 18th Street near T.C. Jester Boulevard. 

Investigator Bruce followed the vehicle while advising HFD Arson investigators in the area of his location.  Upon arriving at the 2100 block of West 18th Street, other HFD Arson investigators found Investigator Bruce's vehicle with multiple bullet strikes and Investigator Bruce suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Responding paramedics transported him to the hospital.  A male, later identified as De La Cerda, was also found deceased inside a gray Hyundai.  He had suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  

The investigation is continuing.  

Anyone with additional information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.