Houston Police Department

December 24, 2006 -- Charges are pending against a suspect arrested after he tried to run over a Houston police officer at 10700 Rosehaven about 1:30 a.m. today (December 24).

The suspect, Fredrick Douglas Branch (b/m, DOB 10-19-64) faces aggravated assault on a public servant and auto theft charges.

HPD Officer Eric G. Duncan, sworn in as an officer in December 2001 and assigned to the Southeast Patrol Division, was not injured.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants C.W. Howard and M.W. McStravick and Officer T.A. Andrade reported:

Officer Duncan, while on patrol, observed a van in the parking lot of Scottcrest Park after hours. He drove into the parking lot and did a computer check on the vehicle's license plate, and discovered it was reported stolen. Officer Duncan approached the vehicle and gave the suspect commands to get out of the vehicle. The suspect ignored the officer's orders and instead drove the van in reverse, striking Officer Duncan's patrol car. Officer Duncan backed away from the van, while continuously giving Branch verbal commands to stop. Branch then drove the vehicle directly toward Officer Duncan, who then discharged his weapon at the suspect. Branch drove the van past Duncan, swerving and missing him, before striking several parking posts which border the parking lot. Branch continued into the grassy area of the park where it came to a stop. Suspect Branch, who was not injured, was then taken into
custody.

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