Charges Filed in Officer Assault at 7245 Hillcroft #16

March 23, 2009 - Charges have been filed against a suspect in the aggravated assault of two on-duty Houston Police officers and an off-duty Metro Police officer at 7245 Hillcroft #16 about 11:40 a.m. on Saturday (Mar. 21).  Christopher Lee Washington (B/M DOB 5/29/85) is charged with three felony counts of aggravated assault against a public servant in the 228th State District Court.

Officer M. L. Davis, who discharged his duty weapon, is assigned to the Fondren Patrol Division and was sworn in as an officer December 20, 1995.  Officer Davis was not injured in this incident.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J. R. McGalin reported:

HPD officers were investigating a minor motor vehicle accident in front of the apartment complex in the 7200 block of Hillcroft when Washington arrived on the scene and refused to leave.  Washington became belligerent and when asked to produce identification put his car in gear hitting an officer with the car door and also striking the personal vehicle of an off-duty Metro Police officer.  As he was fleeing the scene, Washington attempted to run over the HPD officer a second time.  Washington led HPD officers on a short pursuit before returning to the apartment complex, where he lived. 

Washington jumped out of his Ford Mustang and Officer M. L. Davis ordered him to put his hands in the air.  When Washington refused to comply, Officer Davis discharged his Conducted Energy Device (CED), striking Washington in the chest.  Officer Davis reports Washington pulled the CED darts from his chest and began running toward apartment #16 with Officer Davis in pursuit.

The off-duty Metro Police officer saw Washington as he approached #16 and discharged his CED, striking Washington.  Washington pulled a knife from his back pocket and began brandishing it at the officers.  Officer Davis, fearing for the lives of him and the off-duty Metro Police officer, fired his duty weapon, missing Washington.

Washington then ran into apartment #16.  Officers following him inside saw him grab two small children and take them to a back bedroom.  After some time negotiating, HPD officers were able to diffuse the situation and convince Washington to come out of the bedroom where he was arrested.  The children were not harmed.

Washington was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital for observation before being processed at the Harris County Jail.

As is customary in officer-involved shootings occurring within the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.

KJS/JC/JRM
Inc. #040670409

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