A domestic violence call in Conroe turned into a SWAT standoff Thursday, ending with police shooting the armed suspect after failed negotiations. The suspect remains hospitalized.
A fight between family members in Conroe turned into a tense standoff Thursday afternoon. Police finally shot a suspect who had reportedly beaten up family members and locked himself in a house.
Conroe Police say they were called to a home on North San Jacinto Street around 2:10 p.m. because of reports of a violent domestic incident. When they got there, they saw several hurt family members and an armed suspect who wouldn't give up. The authorities quickly removed the victims. They got medical care and were later reported to be safe.
As things got worse, there was a long standoff, which is why a SWAT team was sent in. For several hours, police attempted to negotiate with the suspect, asking him to leave the house quietly. When talks broke down, SWAT officers used CS gas to try to get the suspect to leave the house without using more force.
The suspect, however, stayed inside. When SWAT officers finally got into the house, the man fought with them, which led to a shooting by police. The suspect was hit by one of the officers' shots. At the scene, medical help was given right away, and he was later taken to a nearby hospital, where he is now described as being in critical but stable condition.
The event is being thoroughly looked into by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. No police officers were hurt in the fight, and the names of those involved have not yet been made public.
"This was a dangerous situation that could have turned out very badly," a Conroe Police spokesperson said. "We're glad the family members are safe and being cared for, and we're working hard to make sure we have all the facts."
As investigations continue, the event shows how difficult and dangerous it is for police to deal with domestic abuse cases involving armed suspects.
