HOUSTON — A barricaded suspect is dead after an hours-long standoff with the Harris County Sheriff's Office SWAT team. The incident began after the suspect shot and killed a man Friday night, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Editorial note: The above video aired prior to the standoff ending.
Gonzalez said a man was found with a gunshot wound outside a home on Phil Halstead Drive, which is near 249 and Fallbrook. The sheriff first tweeted about the incident at 7:35 p.m. Gonzalez later confirmed the injured man died.
According to Gonzalez, the suspect reportedly began assaulting his wife Friday evening. The wife then called her family for help and family members came to the home.
The suspect then opened fire on family members as they arrived, which led to the wife's stepfather being shot and killed. The suspect also shot at his wife, but she was only grazed, according to Gonzalez.
Following the shooting, the suspect ran inside the home and barricaded himself. Gonzalez said the man appeared to be out on bond from a previous domestic violence case after threatening his wife.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact HCSO's Homicide Unit at (713) 274-9100.
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24-hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Or text LOVEIS to 22522.