POLICE Department

Investigation into Shooting of Two HPD Officers at 2626 Holly Hall Street

October 21, 2020 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of one Houston Police officer, the wounding of another officer and a juvenile male at 2626 Holly Hall about 8:05 a.m. on Tuesday (October 20).  

The suspect, Elmer Rolando Manzano (H/m, 51), is charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder and aggravated assault-serious bodily injury in the 339th State District Court.  He suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.  A booking photo of Manzano is not available at this time, as he remains hospitalized.  

Sergeant H. Preston, who discharged his firearm, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.  Sergeant Preston was assigned to the Southwest Patrol Division and was sworn in as an officer in August 1979.  

HPD Officer C. Waller, suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was also transported to the same hospital in stable condition.  Officer Waller is assigned to the Southwest Patrol Division and was sworn in as officer in November 2017.   

The male juvenile victim, 14, was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.  

HPD Special Investigations Unit Detectives L. Lopez, M. Millington, S. Martinez and J. Hartnett reported:  

HPD Officer Waller and another officer responded to a disturbance call at  an apartment complex at the above address and met with a female and her teenage son outside the complex.  The female requested officers' assistance regarding a disturbance with her husband (Manzano).  Officer Waller and the second officer then requested assistance from a supervisor, HPD Sergeant Preston.  

After Sergeant Preston spoke with the female, he, Officer Waller and the second officer walked to the apartment to make contact with Manzano.  When he did not answer the door, the son used his key to enter the apartment.  As soon as the door opened, Manzano was standing on the other side of the door with a gun pointed toward his son and Officer Waller.  Manzano fired several shots at his son and the officers standing in the doorway, striking all three.  Sergeant Preston returned fire and struck Manzano, who then barricaded himself in the apartment. 

The HPD SWAT and Hostage Negotiation teams responded to the scene and Manzano surrendered a short time later.  Sergeant Preston, Officer Waller and Manzano's son were transported by paramedics to the hospital. 

This incident is being investigated by the HPD Special Investigations Unit, the Internal Affairs Division and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

VHS/JFC 10-21-20
Inc. #139264720

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