Aggravated Assault of HPD Officer at 17200 Imperial Valley

November 9, 2009 - Houston police are searching for a suspect wanted in the aggravated assault of an HPD officer at 17200 Imperial Valley about 11:15 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 8).

The suspect is described only as a black male, about 6 feet tall with short hair and some facial hair. He is believed to be in his early to mid 20s and was last seen wearing a white tank top and either blue jeans or long blue jean shorts.

Officer C.R. Rohling, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured. He is a five-year veteran and is assigned to the North Patrol Division.

HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officer B.D. Evans and Officer K. Lopez reported:

Officer Rohling responded to a report of a burglar alarm at 555 Seminar Drive about 10:15 p.m. Sunday when he was advised the suspect had fled the scene in the direction of Imperial Valley. He obtained the suspect’s description and began searching the area for the suspect. Initially, he was not able to find the suspect and returned to get additional information for the offense report. Once he completed gathering information, Officer Rohling continued to search the area for the suspect and soon located a male that matched the suspect’s description.

Upon seeing the officer, the suspect immediately took off his red shirt and quickened his pace. Officer Rohling approached the suspect and gave him verbal commands to show his hands. Instead, the suspect hid his hands in the pockets of a sweater he was wearing and backed away from the officer. Officer Rohling pulled his weapon and continued to give the suspect commands. At that time, the suspect drew a weapon and pointed it at Officer Rohling. The officer then grabbed for the suspect’s weapon, at which time a struggle began. Officer Rohling discharged his duty weapon at least one time before dropping his weapon in the struggle. The suspect then fled on foot with both his and Officer Rohling’s weapons. Both weapons were dropped by the suspect while fleeing and recovered by other officers. The suspect has not been located.

Anyone with information on the identity of the wanted suspect is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shootings occurring in the city limits, this case will be investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

JKS/JFC 11-9-09
Inc. #163164009

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