Robbery Suspect Shot by 3 Officers

Updated: Monday, 08 Mar 2010, 11:09 AM CST

Published : Monday, 08 Mar 2010, 10:11 AM CST

HOUSTON - A suspect in three consecutive robberies is shot by three officers after he led them on a vehicle chase.

Houston police were contacted after 8 p.m. Sunday night following robberies at a convenience store and two fuel stations on Loop 494 in Porter.

Houston police say an officer heard shots near the Citgo fuel station and arrived to find the suspect jumping into a Ford Explorer and driving away.

Investigators say the suspect turned the vehicle around and shot toward the officer's car. At least one bullet struck the front bumper of the police car.

The chase continued on North Park Drive, proceeded to U.S. Highway 59, the Eastex Freeway, and then to Sorters McLellan Road before ending on FM 1314 where the suspect lost control of the Explore and crashed into the pole. He was not hurt in the crash.

Police ordered him several times to walk out of the Explorer but he refused to do so. Officers say they heard a gunshot and saw the suspect walk out of the vehicle with a gun in his hand.

Fearing for their lives, three officers opened fire on the suspect and wounded him at least twice. The suspect was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital and is expected to survive.

Investigators say the suspect fired his weapon at each store where the alleged robberies took place, but no one was shot. No officers were hurt in the shooting.

Texas Rangers, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department are taking part in the robbery investigation.