The family of a man shot by a Houston police officer is demanding answers, saying he was unarmed and trying to return a car when he was confronted by officers.
Tony Underwood, 37, remains in critical condition at Ben Taub Hospital.
Early Friday morning, family members and community leaders gathered outside Ben Taub Hospital, where Underwood remains in critical condition, for a press conference. KPRC 2’s Brittany Jeffers was on the scene as the family voiced their concerns.
FIRST REPORT: Chase with stolen SUV ends with driver shot by Houston police; family disputes HPD‘s account
Attorney Courtney Vincent, State Representative Ron Reynolds, and Dr. David Jeremiah spoke on behalf of the family. They claim Underwood, who has a history of mental illness, was unarmed when he was shot once in the back by an officer. The family also says they’ve been denied access to see him and have not received consistent updates on his condition.
During the press conference, Underwood’s brother said that their mother was informed that Tony had to undergo another surgery, and the family is now requesting a full update on his condition.
According to Houston Police, officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle late Wednesday night. After a brief pursuit, HPD says Underwood fled on foot through an apartment complex on Tierwester Drive. Police allege that Underwood pulled a handgun and cocked it, leading to a struggle. Authorities say an officer, fearing for his safety, shot Underwood.
However, the family strongly disputes this account. They say the vehicle was not stolen but was actually Underwood’s girlfriend’s, and that he was unarmed when confronted. They are now calling for a meeting with the Houston Police Chief and are demanding to see the body camera footage, which HPD says will be released within 30 days.
What happened?
The incident took place late Wednesday night when Houston police attempted to stop a stolen SUV on Reed Road and 288. Officers say Underwood refused to pull over, leading to a brief chase before crashing near an apartment complex on Tierwester Drive.
According to HPD’s initial report, the Underwood got out of the vehicle and ran. Police say he was armed, pulled the gun out and cock it.
“As officers attempted to detain the suspect, a struggle ensued between one of the pursuing officers and the suspect,” HPD said in its public report.
Fearing for his safety, investigators said the officer fired his weapon, hitting Underwood.
However, his family tells a different story. They claim Tony was trying to return his girlfriend‘s car after a dispute and was holding a water bottle — not a gun — when confronted by police.
“I don’t think my brother was a threat last night,” said Tom Underwood, Tony’s brother. “If they thought he had a gun, why didn’t they shoot him in the leg, the shoulder, somewhere else? Why in his back?”
Another relative, Abc Hornsby, added, “He had a water bottle. His hands were up. You can’t mistake that for a gun.”
At last check, Underwood was still in critical condition. No charges have been filed against him, but the family says he remains in police custody at the hospital.
HPD confirms an internal investigation is underway, with the Special Investigations Unit and Internal Affairs reviewing the case, along with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Body camera footage from the officer involved, a four-year veteran with HPD, is expected to be released within 30 days as per department policy.
Community leaders say Thursday’s press conference is about demanding transparency and accountability.
“We are not here to condemn, we are here to seek truth. A mentally ill man is fighting for his life, and his family is locked out, said Dr. Jeremiah. ”That’s not just a system failure, it’s a moral one. Houston, we must do better.”
