POLICE Department

Update: Charges on Suspect in Incident at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway


August 28, 2015 - Charges are pending against a suspect wounded by a Houston police officer after he assaulted two police officers at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway about 10:50 a.m. on Thursday (Aug. 27).

The suspect, Alan Christopher Pean (b/m, 26), is facing charges of two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant.  Pean suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and remains in critical condition at St. Joseph Medical Center.  No photo of Pean is available at this time.

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 staff at St. Joseph Medical Center.  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.

Update: JKS/JFC 8-28-15
KJS/JFC 8-27-15
Inc. #111183815

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