Incident at 8800 Airport

August 1, 2006 -- Charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon of a police officer are pending against a suspect who pointed two guns at Houston police SWAT officers at 8800 Airport about 2:05 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2006.

The suspect, Steven Ferrel (w/m DOB 10/17/68), was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant M. McStravick, Sergeant C. Howard, and Officer T. Andrade reported:

Members of the Southeast Patrol Division tactical unit, while conducting a robbery investigation follow-up, were directed to room #230 of the Motel 6 hotel located at 8800 Airport. Upon arrival at the hotel, Ferrel refused to open the door for the officers and instead called 9-1-1 advising the 9-1-1 operator that he would shoot himself if the police came in. It was further determined that a female was being held in the room by the suspect, however, she was later released unharmed.

The SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team and the Hostage Negotiation Team were called to the scene and negotiations with Ferrel began. During these negotiations, Ferrel acknowledged being high on crack cocaine and admitted involvement in several recent crimes. After approximately two hours, and against all directions given to Ferrel by the negotiators, Ferrel exited the hotel room waving a shotgun in one hand and a pistol in the other hand. Ferrel turned and began to point the weapons at SWAT officers who in turn, returned fire, striking Ferrel at least two times.

As is customary in all officer-involved shootings, this incident is under investigation by the Houston Police Department's Homicide Division, Internal Affairs Division, and the Harris County District Attorney's office.

DJC/GO 8-01-06
Inc #1183272-06S

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