Courtesy KTRK Houston
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston
police officer was shot in the line of duty overnight. The suspect is now dead
after being shot by the injured officer's partner.
The shooting unfolded just after midnight on Saddle Rock at Sweetwater.
According to an HPD spokesperson, a two-man patrol unit spotted a car moving
erratically. They attempted to stop that driver but he wouldn't pull over.
Instead, that driver drove to the end of the cul-de-sac.
The officers blocked him with their patrol unit. Officer Wes Fikes got out of
the car and that's when the suspect opened fire.
Authorities say the shooting happened so quickly that the officer didn't even
have a chance to draw his weapon. His partner, Jimmy Dodson, shot and killed the
suspect.
"Our officer who was driving then gets out of the car and is able to
discharge his weapon several times and strikes the suspect," said HPD
spokesperson Jodi Silva. "The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene."
Officer Fikes was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he is
recovering. He was shot twice, once in the right forearm and once in the left
bicep.
HPD Chief Charles McClelland says he met with Fikes and his wife. He
describes Fikes as in 'good spirits.' He has two young children, ages 5 and 7.
"He's very upbeat. He considers himself very, very fortunate," said Chief
McClelland. "I met with him and his wife. They're very spiritual people. They
certainly believe the Lord was watching over him."
Chief McClelland says this is proof that no traffic stop is 'routine' as
people often call it.
Officer Fikes will be kept at the hospital for the night. His injuries are
not life-threatening. He has been with the Houston Police Department for three
years.
