POLICE Department
Investigation into Incident at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway
August 27, 2015 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which an officer discharged his duty weapon after being assaulted by a suspect at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway about 10:50 a.m. today.
Senior Police Officer O. Ortega, who discharged his duty weapon, and Senior Police Officer R. Law suffered severe lacerations to their heads. Both were treated by St. Joseph's Medical Center staff for their wounds.
The suspect, Alan Christopher Pean (b/m, 26), suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was also treated by St. Joseph's Medical Center staff. At last report, he was in critical condition.
Senior Officer Ortega was sworn in as an officer in May 1994 and is assigned to the Southeast Patrol Division. Senior Officer Law was sworn in as an officer in March 1985 and is assigned to the Burglary and Theft Division.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeant S. Murdock and Senior Police Officer B. Evans reported.
Officers Ortega and Law were working extra jobs as security at St. Joseph Medical Center at the above address when they were summoned to the eighth floor to help nurses subdue a combative patient. Once the officers arrived, the patient continued to refuse to comply with the nurses and officers' demands. The patient suddenly physically assaulted Officer Ortega, striking him in the head, causing a laceration. At that time, Officer Law deployed his conducted energy device, which had no apparent effect on the suspect who continued to assault the officers. Officer Ortega, fearing for his and his partner's safety, then discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect one time.
The suspect was then restrained and taken to St. Joseph's Emergency Center for treatment.
Both officers were also taken to the Emergency Center for treatment of their wounds.
As is customary when an officer discharges a duty weapon and injures a suspect in the city limits, this incident is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
KJS/JFC 8-27-15
Inc. #111183815
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
