Houston Police Department

May 1, 2005 -- Charges are pending against two suspects who assaulted two Houston police officers during an altercation at 5850 Park Front about 2:45 a.m on Sunday, May 1, 2005.

The first suspect has been identified as Damion Lopez (H/m, 26). The second suspect has been identified as Edwin Lopez.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. Binford and Officer B. Harris reported:

Houston police officers were working an unrelated incident at 10201 Harwin when they heard glass breaking at a nearby apartment. Suspect Damion Lopez was seen running from the area where a window was broken. Officers chased him to a black Honda SUV that was waiting for him. The Honda SUV was being driven by a second suspect, Edwin Lopez. Damion Lopez was chased and removed from the vehicle after slamming the door on Officer J.P. Horelica, who sustained minor injuries to the arm. Damion Lopez fought the officers during his arrest.

Officer Rios ran to the driver's door of the Honda SUV and attempted to stop Edwin Lopez. This suspect confronted the officer and struck him with the vehicle. As the officer was hit by the vehicle, he fired his weapon one time. Officer Rios sustained several broken ribs and large abrasions to his leg. At the time of the incident Officer Rios believed his leg was broken. Edwin Lopez drove away after injuring the officer.

As other officers approached the vehicle, they heard one gunshot and observed Officer Rios fall to the ground. Fearing for the safety of the downed officer, Officer J. Valls fired one round at Edwin Lopez. He fled the scene after striking Officer Rios but was later identified and arrested by homicide investigators.

Both suspects have given confessions as to their involvement in these cases. The officers involved all are assigned to the Westside Patrol Division. Officer Rios was sworn in as a Houston police officer in June of 2002 and Officer Valls was sworn in December of 2003.

Houston Police Department Homicide Division, Internal Affairs Division as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office are investigating this incident.

JGA/JFC 5-1-05
Inc#66529405

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.