2015

May 18, 2015
Vehicular assault - 900 North Kirkwood about 3 a.m.

DOB –7/2/1967, Age 47
Badge – 5413
Class #209
Final Resting Place – Klein Memorial Park , Houston TX        

Officer Richard K. Martin, 47, was assigned to the Westside Patrol Division.  He was sworn in as an officer in November 2010.  

Officer Richard Martin was intentionally struck and killed by a vehicle as he set up spike strips at the intersection of N Kirkwood Road and St. Mary's Lane during a vehicle pursuit at approximately 2:30 am.

Officers from the Houston Police Department were pursing the U-Haul van after it had been carjacked in North Houston. The driver of the vehicle fired several shots at officers during the pursuit before bailing out, carjacking a second vehicle, and fleeing again. Officer Martin was in the process of deploying spike strips when the driver intentionally struck him with the stolen vehicle.

The vehicle continued to flee until stopping on the 45 North Freeway. The subject attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself as officers initiated a felony traffic stop. The man was transported to a local hospital where he later died. The suspect is identified as Jeffrey R Conlin (w/m, 33) was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Conlin suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Officer Martin had served with the Houston Police Department for four years. Officer Martin leaves behind a 22-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.

Source – ODMP and Houston Police News Release