Off-Duty Houston Officer Shoots Rape Suspect

December 31st, 2007 HOUSTON

An off-duty officer shot a rape suspect after the two got into a struggle early Monday, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Houston police said Officer Richard Martinez found a woman crying for help inside a pickup truck at the Broadway Square Apartments on Broadway Street near Morley Street at about 1:20 a.m.

The woman pointed out the man who allegedly raped her in the truck, investigators said. Martinez ran after the man and confronted him. The man attacked Martinez with a flashlight, police said.

"It was a very physical confrontation," Officer Johanna Abad said.

Detectives said Martinez and the man began punching each other. Martinez's gun fell out of his holster and onto the ground.

"The suspect was striking him repeatedly on the face with a flashlight and looking for other items to strike him with," Abad said. "The officer reached around and found his weapon, gripped it and fired one shot at the suspect."

The man was shot in the side, investigators said. He was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment.

Martinez suffered bumps and bruises, police said.

Investigators said the man, whose identity was not released, could face charges of sexual assault and assaulting a peace officer.

Police said they are trying to investigate the rape allegations but are having trouble because the alleged victim left the scene.

"That's not something uncommon for rape victims," Abad said.

Detectives said they hope the woman will come forward and give them information. She is not in any trouble, officials said.

Martinez, 27, is a two-year veteran of the Houston Police Department and is assigned to the southeast patrol division. He was working a second job as a security guard at the complex and was in uniform.

Residents said there have been several break-ins and car burglaries at the apartment complex.