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UPDATE: Investigation into Shooting of Two HPD Officers, Armed Suspect at 8710 Sterlingame Drive
March 2, 2017 - A suspect who shot two Houston police officers before he was fatally shot by officers at 8710 Sterlingame Drive about noon on Tuesday (Feb. 28) has been positively identified.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has identified the suspect as Earl Donnell Riley (b/m, 25).
One officer, R. Cortez, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he remains in critical, but stable condition with multiple gunshot wounds. The other officer, J. Munoz, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was released on Wednesday (March 1). Officer Cortez was sworn in as an HPD officer in November 1992 and Officer Munoz was sworn in in November 2007.
A third HPD officer involved in the incident, Sergeant J. Garza, was not injured. He was sworn in as an officer in February 1996.
Sergeant Garza and Officer Munoz discharged weapons in the incident. Officer Cortez did not discharge his weapon.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeants H. Chavez and H. Ruiz reported:
Officers were responding to an actors-on-the-ground call regarding burglaries occurring in the 8700 block of Sterlingame. While searching for suspects, in the back yard of 8710 Sterlingame, officers came in contact with the homeowner. Officers were given verbal consent to check a shed at the location. Upon gaining access into the shed, officers were alerted to a suspect hiding behind the door. Officers gave verbal commands to the suspect to exit and the suspect did not comply. When officers moved in to secure the suspect, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, an exchange of gunfire erupted between officers and the suspect. Officers Cortez and Munoz both sustained gunshot wounds. Sergeant J. Garza observed the suspect with a gun in his hand as he exited the shed. At that time Sergeant Garza, fearing for his safety and the safety of the officers, discharged his duty weapon at the suspect. The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers Cortez and Munoz were transported to area hospitals due to their injuries.
As is customary in officer-involved shooting incidents resulting in injury or death, the incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
Anyone with additional information in the case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.
Update JFC/VHS 3-2-17
JFC/JKS 3-1-17
Inc #026218717
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
JFC/JKS 3-1-17
Inc #026218717
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
