Death of Off-Duty Houston Police Officer November 19, 2007 - Houston police are awaiting autopsy results in the fatal shooting of an off-duty HPD officer in southwest Houston about 11 a.m. on Sunday (Nov. 18). Officer Donald L. DeBlanc, 47, sworn in as an officer in June 1984, was assigned to the Narcotics Division. He sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. A photo of Officer DeBlanc is attached to this release. HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J.T. Parker and Officer T. Tyler reported: Officer DeBlanc was discovered deceased at his residence by a family member upon her return from errands. Officer DeBlanc was discovered lying on the floor of the residence near several handguns and gun cleaning supplies. At this time, it appears Officer DeBlanc suffered an accidental discharge while cleaning one of the weapons. The investigation is currently in the preliminary stages and investigators continue looking into the circumstances surrounding Officer DeBlanc's death. NOTE: Please refrain from reporting the exact address of the incident in any future reports due to the fact it occurred at the officer and his family's personal residence and the sensitive nature of his previous assignment (undercover narcotics officer). This information is confidential as a matter of law. If you have any questions, please contact a PIO at 713-308-3280. NJM/JFC 11/19/07 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |
