HOUSTON, Texas – A Houston police officer was hospitalized after being stabbed by a man on Sunday night.
According to the Houston Police Department, the suspect flagged down officers on Sunday night at the CVS Pharmacy on Milam and Congress Street.
When the officer stopped to help, the man started stabbing the officer, and his partner was forced to open fire on the suspect, killing him.
Officers believe the suspect, who was 27 years old, was having a mental episode at the time of the stabbing. They also said the man had a lengthy criminal history.
“Obviously, all the officers involved in the encounter are shaken up. Certainly, the officer who took the life of the suspect. They do not plan on using their firearms when they leave the house each day. But they know their lives are at risk when they’re out on the street,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
HPD Officer Joaquin Garza, who has been with the Houston Police Department for two years, was stabbed above his left ear.
Monday morning, KPRC 2 learned that Garza had been released from the hospital.
Houston police said they are reviewing body camera footage and will release the footage to the public soon.
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