Houston Police Department

July 7, 2006 -- Houston police have arrested and filed charges with the Harris County District Attorney's office against a man who was shot by an off-duty HPD officer after the burglary of a home at 5007 Claremont on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at around 10:35 p.m.

According to Houston Police Department Homicide Division Investigators E. Carstens and P. Yochum, HPD Officer G. Gutierrez was contacted by a family member who stated someone was breaking into her garage. Officer Gutierrez, who was off-duty, was already in the area and drove to the location. Upon arrival, Officer Gutierrez confronted the suspect, Harold Joseph Natale (bm/ DOB 12-23-76), who was in the street pushing a large metal toolbox on wheels that was stolen from the garage of the officer's family member.

Officer Gutierrez identified himself as a police officer and while taking Natale into custody a struggled ensued. During the struggle, the officer discharged his duty weapon striking Natale in the foot. Natale was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he is listed in stable condition. Harold Joseph Natale has been charged with assault-bodily injury to a public servant, burglary of a building and possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) in the 338th State District Court.

The Houston Police Department Homicide Division, Internal Affairs Division and Harris County District Attorney's office are investigating this incident.

AW/ MES 7-7-06
Inc # 103944906-B

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