Houston Police Department

May 26, 2005 -- Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a narcotics suspect at 10202 Club Creek about 1 a.m. today (May 26).

The deceased suspect is identified as Kristopher Lee Banks, 22, address unknown. He suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants S.H. Kennedy and L. Flores reported:

A team of undercover narcotics officers was attempting to conduct drug transactions in the Club Creek area when the suspect approached one of the officers and offered to sell him crack cocaine. During the transaction, the suspect never displayed any drugs. Since he had not seen any narcotics, the officer decided to drive away. The suspect stopped the officer and demanded the buy money, turning the drug deal into a robbery. The suspect had his right hand in his right pants pocket and was pointing an unknown object at the officer, threatening to shoot him unless he gave him (suspect) the buy money. The undercover officer gave the suspect $40, but the suspect demanded more. The suspect continued to tell the officer that he was going to shoot him. At that time, the officer shot the suspect one time. The suspect ran a short distance and then fell to the ground. An ambulance was called, but paramedics
pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. Neither narcotics nor a firearm were found on the suspect. There was a long, flat stick found in the same pocket the suspect had claimed to have a gun in. It was apparent the suspect never intended to sell narcotics and was carrying out a planned robbery.

The undercover officer, P.S. Weido, was not injured. He was sworn in as an HPD officer in March 1990.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shootings in the city limits, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions and the Harris County District Attorney's office.

JFC/MES 5-26-05
Inc #080613005

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.