HPD Officer Shoots Man During Traffic Stop in Northeast Houston

 

HPD Officer Shoots Man During Traffic Stop in Northeast Houston

Traffic Stop Leads to Officer-Involved Shooting

An early Sunday morning traffic stop in northeast Houston ended with an officer-involved shooting, leaving a man hospitalized in critical condition. The incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. on January 11, 2026, in the 4700 block of Tidwell Road near Hirsch Road, according to Houston police.

Officers with the Houston Police Department initiated the stop after observing a traffic violation. During the interaction, officers determined that the driver had an outstanding felony warrant, which led them to attempt an arrest.

Arrest Attempt Escalates Into Struggle

Police said the situation escalated as officers tried to take the man into custody. Authorities reported that the suspect became uncooperative and resisted arrest, resulting in a physical struggle between him and the officers on scene.

During the confrontation, one officer deployed a Taser in an effort to gain control of the situation. However, police said the device was not effective, and the struggle continued. At some point during the encounter, an officer discharged his firearm, striking the suspect.

Suspect Hospitalized in Critical Condition

The man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and was listed in critical condition. His identity has not been released, and officials have not provided updates on his current medical status.

No officers were injured during the incident. Police also confirmed that two passengers who were inside the suspect’s vehicle at the time of the traffic stop were not hurt.

Multiple Agencies Reviewing the Shooting

As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the incident is being reviewed by multiple agencies. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office will evaluate the case to determine whether the use of force was justified under the law.

In addition, the Houston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is conducting an administrative review to assess whether department policies were followed. The HPD Homicide Division is also involved in the investigation, which will focus on reconstructing the events leading up to the shooting.

Investigators are working to determine whether the suspect was armed during the confrontation. Officials have not released information confirming the presence of a weapon.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Transparency

Police emphasized that investigations into officer-involved shootings are thorough and often take time to complete. Evidence being reviewed includes body-worn camera footage, patrol vehicle video, witness statements, and forensic findings from the scene.

Authorities said additional details will be released as the investigation progresses and once preliminary findings are complete. Until then, officials are urging the public to avoid speculation while the review process continues.

The shooting temporarily affected traffic in the area, but the roadway was reopened after investigators completed their initial work at the scene.