December 26, 2012 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which an off-duty HPD officer discharged his duty weapon at two armed robbery suspects as they held store employees and customers at gunpoint at 10900 Gulf Freeway about 2 p.m. on Monday (Dec. 24).

The suspects fled the scene. One suspect is described only as a black male with long bushy hair that might be a wig, wearing a possible black shirt and red "skinny" jeans at the time of the incident. He had a black bandana on his face. The second suspect was only described as a male in dark clothing.

Officer H. Ramirez, who discharged his duty weapon, is assigned to the Juvenile Division. He was sworn in as an officer in March 1999.

Neither the officer nor anyone inside the store was injured.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Rohling and Officer J. Harvey reported:

Officer Ramirez and his family were shopping at the Verizon store at the above address when two males armed with guns entered the store. The first suspect, the male with the bandana on his face, pointed his gun at the store clerks and customers at the counter. At that time, Officer Ramirez, fearing for his life and the lives of his family, store customers and employees, discharged his duty weapon toward the suspects. It is unknown at this time if either of the suspects returned fire or if they were injured. They exited the store in separate directions. One of the suspects ran into a nearby apartment complex and robbed a male victim of a 2003 silver Pontiac that has license plates BJZ-7556.

Anyone with information on the identities of the suspects, their whereabouts or location of the stolen vehicle is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

JFC/VHS 12-26-12
Inc #161401412