Houston Police Department > News Releases

Incident at 9501 Jensen Drive

March 16, 2006 -- A auto theft suspect is shot and critically injured by an HPD officer at 9501 Jensen on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at about 5:50 p.m.

Houston Police Department Homicide Sergeant M.K. Peters and Officer A.J. Palos reported that HPD Officer R.G. Gardiner, a four-year veteran from the Northeast Patrol Division observed a suspicious vehicle on Jensen Street. The officer did a random check of the license plate and the vehicle was listed as stolen. Officer Gardiner advised HPD dispatch before attempting to approach the suspect. The vehicle and the suspect were in the parking lot of a gas station.

The officer pulled into the parking lot of the gas station and parked in front of the stolen vehicle. Officer Gardiner got out of his patrol car and gave verbal commands to the suspect to lie on the ground. The suspect refused to comply and dived into the stolen vehicle in a sudden and overt manner by reaching under the passenger seat. Officer Gardiner fearing for his own safety and the safety of patrons at the gas station, fired his duty weapon, striking the suspect.

The suspect, Robert Paul Cantrell (wm/ DOB 1-25-70), was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

The incident is under investigation by the Houston Police Department Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions and the Harris County District Attorney's Office, Civil Rights Unit.

AW/ JGA 3-16-06
Inc # 042016506

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