Officer cleared in shooting near Rice University

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 | 5:03 PM

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Harris County grand jury decided not to indict a METRO police officer for shooting an innocent bystander.

The grand jury no-billed Officer R.L. Harrington for the May 5 shooting near Rice University. The officer shot and killed a suspect who had a knife, but Harrington also wounded Guadalupe Acosta in the arm as she walked along a nearby jogging trail.

"We have concluded that Officer Harrington followed all of our established guidelines," said METRO Police Chief Tom Lambert. "We've reviewed our findings. The HPD investigation considered the grand jury's decision and we're confident that Officer Harrington did exactly what he was supposed to do."

Officer Harrington will return to active duty Wednesday. Acosta has filed a civil lawsuit against METRO, asking for damages for pain, suffering, medical expenses and lost wages.

 

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