May 18, 2011 - Charges are pending against a suspect arrested in a shooting incident that resulted in a Houston Police officer discharging his duty weapon at the armed suspect at 5351 West Alabama about 2:10 a.m. today (May 18).

The suspect, Visian Prashasouk (A/m, DOB: 11-5-80), faces charges of aggravated assault of a public servant and felon in possession of a firearm.

HPD Sergeant N. E. Maurer, who discharged his duty weapon, was not injured in this incident.  Sergeant Maurer, sworn in as an officer in January 1992, is assigned to the Crime Analysis and Command Center Division.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. A. Odom and Officer W. P. Ferguson reported:

Sergeant Maurer was in full uniform and working an approved extra job at the Roxy Nightclub at 5351 West Alabama.  As the club was closing, a large disturbance occurred in the parking lot.  As Sgt. Maurer approached to breakup the disturbance, Prashasouk pulled out a pistol and fired several shots in the air.  Sgt. Maurer then drew his duty weapon and gave verbal commands to Prashasouk to drop the weapon.  Prashasouk ignored commands and pointed the gun at Sgt. Maurer.  Fearing for his safety and the safety of persons in the parking lot, Sgt. Maurer discharged his duty weapon at least one time but did not strike Prashasouk.  The suspect then dropped his gun and fled on foot, westbound on West Alabama.  He then ran back toward the parking lot and was knocked to the ground by a bystander.  As Sgt. Mauer attempted to take Prashasouk into custody, the suspect continued to struggle.  Sgt Maurer then discharged his Conducted Energy Device (CED) one time and struck Prashasouk, who was then taken into custody.  The suspect was not injured in this incident.

As is customary in HPD officer-involved shootings, this case will be reviewed by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.



VHS/JKS  5-18-11
Inc. #063475811