January 17, 2012 - Houston police are investigating an incident in which an on-duty HPD officer discharged his duty weapon at a burglary of a motor vehicle suspect who assaulted the officer at 3820 Sherwood Lane about 5:45 p.m. on Friday (Jan. 13).

The suspect, Sammy Robles (H/m, DOB: 1-18-90), is charged with assault with bodily injury of a public servant and disarming a police officer in the 209th State District Court.  A photo of suspect Robles is attached to this news release.

Officer R. T. Johnson, who discharged his duty weapon, suffered injuries to his face and hand and was treated at the scene.  Officer Johnson is assigned to the North Patrol Division and was sworn in as an officer in November 2008.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Rodriguez and Officers M. Chaney and I. Ulloa reported:

Officer Johnson responded to a stolen vehicle call at the above location and saw suspect Robles inside a stolen vehicle.  Officer Johnson gave verbal commands for Robles to exit the vehicle, which he refused.  As Officer Johnson attempted to take Robles into custody, Robles pushed the officer and fled on foot.  Officer Johnson ran after Robles and managed to catch him across the street.  Robles then struck Officer Johnson repeatedly with his fists.  Officer Johnson gave Robles verbal commands to stop resisting arrest and discharged his Conducted Energy Device (CED), striking Robles.  The suspect then complied, however, as Officer Johnson was taking him into custody, Robles turned around, began striking the officer again and grabbed Officer Johnson's duty weapon with both hands, attempting to disarm him.  Officer Johnson pushed Robles back and gave him verbal commands to get back.  Robles ignored the commands and again reached for Officer Johnson's duty weapon.  Fearing for his safety, Officer Johnson discharged his duty weapon once but did not strike Robles.  Robles then fled to a small parking lot near the intersection of Sherwood Lane and Vollmer, with Officer Johnson pursuing him on foot.

As Officer Johnson again attempted to take Robles into custody, the suspect began to strike the officer with his fists, feet and elbows and again reached for Officer Johnson's duty weapon.  A citizen saw Officer Johnson and the suspect physically fighting and ran to assist Officer Johnson.  The Good Samaritan then helped Officer Johnson take Robles into custody.

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

VHS/JFC  1-17-12

Inc. #005577512