HOUSTON – A police sergeant is recovering in the hospital after investigators said a gunman shot him while responding to a call late Thursday night in southeast Houston.
It happened a little after 11:30 p.m. when officials said two sergeants with the Houston Police Department were called to reports of a suspicious person with a weapon on Mykawa Road and Almeda Genoa near Hobby Airport.
Once both officers arrived, one of them was shot in the leg. He was later identified as Sgt. Paul George, a 27-year veteran with HPD.
The officers were able to fire back at the gunman. Both Sgt. George and the initial shooter were able to get medical treatment at the scene before they were taken to the hospital in stable condition.
“I wanna say that our prayers and thoughts are with the sergeant that is recovering in the hospital right now,” Asst. Chief A. Rodriguez said during a news conference. “And we know that these guys work hard out here, day in and day out, to protect the citizens of Houston on a daily basis. So we hope for a speedy recovery from our sergeant that is recovering currently in the hospital, and we wish him well.”
ALSO OVERNIGHT: Man surrenders to deputies after hours-long standoff in north Harris County
Houston Mayor John Whitmire also issued the following statement wishing the officer a speedy recovery:
“I am grateful that the injuries sustained by Houston Police Sergeant Paul George in last night’s shooting are non-life-threatening. The 27-year HPD veteran is in good spirits.
“This incident reminds us of the daily dangers our officers face in service to our city. Their courage and dedication do not go unnoticed.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I remain committed to supporting HPD and doing everything I can to protect our officers and all Houstonians.”
No additional information has been shared, as of this writing, but an investigation remains underway.
This is a developing story and will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.