Family Wants Answers About Officer-Involved Death

POSTED: 10:55 am CDT August 1, 2007

UPDATED: 11:06 am CDT August 1, 2007

HOUSTON -- The family of a man who was shot and killed by police said officers should have done more before opening fire, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

Houston police said Reginald Lee Sumbler called them from his home on Mowery Road near Duane Street at about 9:20 a.m. Investigators said he told them he wanted to die.

Officers found Sumbler, 21, in front of his house waving a handgun and holding a Bible. They said he asked for music and media coverage.

He fired at least two shots before officers arrived, investigators said. He alternately put the gun to his head, waved it in the air and placed it on the ground, officials said.

Relatives said that the fact that Sumbler was holding a Bible showed he did not want to die or hurt anyone else.

"I heard that he was thinking about (suicide), not thinking that he was going to do it this morning," grandmother Ruth Moore said. Police said an officer with crisis training tried to talk Sumbler into surrendering.

"At some point and time, the suspect was convinced to lay his weapon down. And, for some reason unknown to us at this time, the suspect reacquired his weapon and pointed it at one of the officers," Capt. Bruce Williams said.

Williams said Sumbler fell back into a ditch after an officer shot him.

Witnesses said Sumbler raised his gun in a threatening manner. Officers opened fire again, police said.

He was transported to Ben Taub Hospital, where he died.

Relatives said some family members and the family's pastor wanted to talk to Sumbler before the shooting, but officers would not allow them to get near him.

Family members said Sumbler was depressed and may have been on drugs.

Community activist Quanell X said families should think before asking the police for help.

"If you have a loved one with a psychological crisis, don't call HPD because they're not coming to talking anybody down and give you any assistance," Quanell X said. "They're coming to shoot first, kill, then ask questions later."

Quanell X said he planned to hold a meeting Monday with families of persons with mental illnesses who have been killed by police. He also said Chief Harold Hurtt should step down.