An overnight standoff at a north Houston apartment complex concluded with the death of a barricaded suspect, authorities reported on Saturday morning.
Police Response and Evacuation
Law enforcement officials stated that officers arrived just after midnight, with SWAT teams deploying after the individual retreated into his unit. The man was later discovered deceased inside the apartment, having taken his own life.
During the incident, police, SWAT, and K9 units cordoned off the area around Warner Street and Tidwell Road, blocking streets and illuminating the scene with flashing lights. Through a loudspeaker, officers were heard urging, "Come out with your hands in the air."
Neighbor's Harrowing Account
Kaesha Lewis, a resident in an adjacent apartment, described a frightening experience. "We were next door, and we heard eight gunshots. We got up and heard police telling him, 'drop the gun, drop the gun,'" she recounted. "When I tried to take my kids into the room, he started beating on our wall. I had to call and tell (police) we were inside, and they came and cut the window, and we had to get inside the SWAT truck."
Lewis mentioned hiding with her children in a closet before being rescued. After evacuation, her family spent the remainder of the night at the complex's leasing office. She characterized her neighbor as typically "nice," someone who would assist homeless individuals, labeling the event as "crazy."
"He came out twice, maybe. The first time he came out, he had a gun pointed at them, and he was smoking a cigarette at the same time," Lewis added. "I was terrified, my kids were terrified, they were crying...it was scary."
Aftermath and Investigation
Lewis expressed uncertainty about continuing to reside at the complex, though she was permitted to return to her apartment around 7 a.m. Police confirmed that officers did not discharge their weapons and sustained no injuries.
The Houston Police Department announced that streets have been reopened, and an investigation into the incident is currently in progress.
