Harold Preston, 65, served the city for 41 years.
Houston:
A 41-year-old Houston police veteran died Tuesday after being shot several times in the head as another officer who was also shot in the same incident was being treated in hospital, the police chief said from the city.
Police Chief Art Acevedo said Elmer Manzano, a 51-year-old Hispanic man, shot at officers responding to a disturbance call in a southwest Houston apartment, injuring Constable Courtney Waller and killing Sergeant Harold Preston.
Waller is three years in the force while Preston, 65, has served the city for 41 years, Acevedo said.
“Unfortunately, his injuries could not survive. He was shot more than once in the head and also received a gunshot in the shoulder area which embedded in his spine,” he said. Acevedo said during a briefing outside Memorial Hermann Hospital where Preston died.
Waller was shot in the arm and is in stable condition, while Manzano was shot in the abdomen but is expected to survive, Acevedo said. Manzano’s 14-year-old son was also shot dead in the shooting but is expected to recover, Acevedo said.
Officers were sent to the apartment to help a woman who said she was trying to move out but her ex-husband – Manzano – would not allow her to collect her belongings. She was outside the apartment with the 14 year old son.
When the son opened the apartment door, he alerted the police that Manzano was armed. Manzano then repeatedly fired at the officers, who fired back, Acevedo said.
Manzano surrendered about an hour later, Acevedo said.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Houston Police Sgt. Harold Preston, who was shot and killed in the line of duty this morning,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Twitter. “This tragic loss is a grave reminder of the dangers our courageous law enforcement officers face while ensuring the safety of our communities.
