Suspect Arrested in Shooting at 8430 Newcastle

July 3, 2008 - Charges are pending against a suspect arrested in the shooting of a man at 8430 Newcastle about 6:45 a.m. today (July 3).

The female suspect, Natasha Latrice Akins (b/f, DOB: 8-10-83), will be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of Dave Whitfield Jr., 41. Mr. Whitfield was shot in the chest, arm and leg and transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where he is in stable condition. Doctors stated Whitfield is expected to recover from his injuries.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant T. Huynh and Officer A. Mares reported:

Akins and Mr. Whitfield work for the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department and are assigned to the Storm Water Maintenance Facility at 8430 Newcastle. The two, who had no known relations, had an altercation several months ago and settled the situation among themselves.

About 6:45 this morning, witnesses stated that Whitfield was in the common area of the work site when Akins walked inside and began shooting at Whitfield. Other employees in the common area at the time were not injured.

Soon after, Akins got into a vehicle and left the scene. HPD Southwest Patrol Division officers were quickly notified and pulled over her vehicle in the 4200 block of Beechnut, a few blocks from the shooting location. Akins was then taken into custody without further incident.

JFC/VHS
Inc #096870508

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